McIlroy third in Lytham
Irish champion Rory McIlroy gave his Walker Cup chances a boost when he finished third in the prestigious Lytham Trophy.
The Holywood teenager, 17, finished just one stroke outside a play- for the title at Royal Lytham and St Anne's.
England's Jamie Moul fired a closing 70 and triumphed in sudden-death after finishing tied with Scotland's George Murray (67) on five under par 279.
With two rounds on the final day, McIlroy hit a four under par 67 in the morning to grab a share of the lead with Moul and Dodd on four under.
But he had to settle for a level par 71 in the afternoon and a share of third place with Scot Lloyd Saltman and England's Lawrence Dodd.
Warrenpoint's Jim Carvill, the reigning East and South of Ireland champion, finished tied for 39th place on 12 over par after closing rounds of 74 and 76.
Carvill and McIlroy will be in action again in the AIB Irish Amateur Open, which starts at Portmarnock on Friday (May 12-14).
Lytham Trophy, Royal Lytham & St Annes (Par 71)
1. Jamie Moul Stoke-by-Nayland 68 72 69 70 279
2. George Murray Earls Ferry 73 66 73 67 279
3. Lloyd Saltman Craigelaw 71 72 68 69 280l Lawrence Dodd Thetf ord
Golf Club 71 71 67 71 280, Rory McIlroy Holywood Golf Club 71 71 67
71 280;
6. David Horsey Styal Golf Club 68 71 73 69 281.
