JON Beesley, of The Mere, successfully defended his Cheshire Matchplay title at Warrington following a close encounter in the final.

He needed an extra hole to end the challenge of teenager Curtis Brokenbrow (Reddish Vale).

Beesley’s opener with county teammate Chris Chilton (High Legh Park) went to 20 holes before he progressed at the expense of George Drakonakis, Dan Benson – both by three and two – and Josh Crumplin.