Michael McGeady is playing well and close to what could be a crucial win on the Europro Tour. Picture © PGA EuroProTour.comMick McGeady might have closed with a 74 but the big Derry man lodged another cheque in the bank in The Buildbase Open on the PGA Europro Tour and then put his Open Championship qualifying disappointment behind him.

A share of eighth place was not what he was looking for at Frilford Heath’s Blue Course but the cheque for £775 could prove crucial at the end of the season as he bids to finish in the top five on the money list and secure at least Challenge Tour status next term.

McGeady opened with rounds of 68 and 66 to go into the final day just a shot off the pace.

One birdie and an eagle three were not enough to off set five bogeys in the last 10 holes, however, as he ended up four strokes behind winner Harry Bateman on eight under par. Scores

The Island’s David Rawluk (69) and Ruaidhri McGee (70) shared 14th place on seven under with Jonny Caldwell (76) back in 34th.

That leaves McGeady 16th in the Order of Merit but with 10 events still remaining, he has every chance of picking up the £10,000 win he needs to become a top five contender.

He followed up on his performance in England by nmissing out on the playoff for the last two spots in Local Qualifying for The Open at North Berwick by just one shot on Tuesday.