Ian Martin handed a 2 and 1 defeat to Richard Wheatley to win the Bradford matchplay title at Keighley - and force the first tie in the T&A golfer of the year award.

Baildon's Martin, who took the T&A Trophy two years ago after winning the matchplay, will share this year's title with Northcliffe's Gareth Evans.

It is the first time since the competition started in 1972 that two players have ended with the same number of points.

Both end the season on 44 in one of the closest finishes for many years. They are just two points ahead of third-placed Wheatley, from Bingley St Ives, with amateur strokeplay winner Andy Dufton from Woodhall Hills fourth on 41.

"I thought I was still in with a chance if I won the matchplay, but it is still a pleasant surprise," said Martin.

"I took an early lead in the final and was either two or three holes up for most of the round, but then Richard started one of his typical comebacks and it was getting close before I won the 17th to clinch it.

"It was certainly a high standard of golf for the final, and we had far better conditions than the week before when it had been rained off.

"I haven't been able to play as much golf as I would have liked this year, but I always go out to enjoy myself and anything else is a bonus. I have had a great deal of help this year too from my Baildon clubmate David Ackroyd, who has caddied for me in most of my matchplay ties this year."

Evans set a high standard this season, his 11 straight wins in the Scratch League forming half the points for his total. But a quarter-final exit in the matchplay to Wheatley at the fourth extra hole proved costly in the end.

He said: "I have had a very consistent season and I am very pleased to finish joint winner of the T&A Trophy after suffering an early defeat in the matchplay. But really I was beaten by a 55-foot putt in a very close match in difficult conditions."

Martin now bids to add the foursomes matchplay title on Sunday at Keighley. He partners youngster Tom Gooding against Ship-ley's Paul Crosby and Trevor Wright.

Leading T&A Trophy points totals: 44 Ian Martin (Baildon), Gareth Evans (Northcliffe), 42 Richard Wheatley (Bingley St Ives), 41 Andy Dufton (Woodhall Hills), 27 Martin Bell (Northcliffe), 26 Neil Harker-Bell (Bradford Moor), Alasdair Clarke (Silsden), 24 Darryl Berry (West Bradford), 23 James Firth (Northcliffe), 22 Richard Bond (Bradford).