PHIL Archer continued his impressive late season form by winning the St. David's Hotels Cheshire and North Wales Open at Northop Country Park.

And it should provide a perfect tonic for the 27-year-old Birchwood assistant golfer as he bids to qualify for the European Tour School at the second stage shoot out later this month.

Archer added a 71 to his opening round 67 for a six-under-par total to deny Carden Park's Simon Edwards his second victory in the event in three seasons.

Edwards tied second with Matthew Ellis, of Vale of Llangollen, but neither seriously threatened Archer who less than a month ago won a tournament at Wallasey and finished third in a MasterCard event at Rudding Park, Harrogate.

Archer said: "I had a slow start to the season but it's all been coming together in the last few weeks and building up nicely for the Tour School.

"I played steadily both days and holed some important putts."

He reeled off five birdies in the first round, the most spectacular at the 16th where he chipped in.

Archer attributed his resurgent form to his new coach, Leeds-based Mark Pearson, and regular practice.

Birchwood teammates Paul McEwan, Mark Twiss and Gary Clark finished 17th, 31st and 54th respectively.

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