Ireland's David Jones finally shed his bridesmaid tag by winning the Jersey Seniors Open at La Moye with an eight-under-par 208. Jones, three times a runnerup on the European Seniors Tour, fired four birdies in a flawless 68 to win by two from compatriot Paul Leonard and England's Jim Rhodes.

Jones started the day two shots adrift of overnight leader Leonard, and after nine holes the gap had increased to three. But Jones clawed one back with a birdie on the 10th, and when he rolled in a 25-foot putt for birdie on the 13th while Leonard three-putted, the two Irishman were level.

Leonard dropped another two strokes on the 14th and 16th, but, after pulling one back on the 17th, Leonard's 15-foot birdie putt at the last to tie the lead agonisingly lipped out.

With the comfort of two putts for victory, Jones calmly slotted home a five-footer to claim his first title as a senior and 15th career win.

"Three times I have gone out in the lead and shot four-under and been beaten," he said. "It's been hard not to get disheartened when you are so often the nearly man. This is a very sweet win.

"I must have played this course about 20 times in Jersey Opens. I have so many friends here, I can't think of a nicer place to win."

Leonard shot a final round of 73, but it was the three dropped shots in four holes on the back nine which ultimately proved costly.