REIGNING champion Francis Connors closed the gap on league leader Paul Beecher, with victory in the seventh round of the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix league at Charleville in Co Cork.

Connors’ win came with Hilda Anthony’s hugely consistent mare Uskerty Diamond Lady, adding to another win for the pair in the opening round at Ballylawn show.

Waterford-born Connors also took runner-up spot with Capitol Cruis in a competitive 12-horse jump-off, which saw seven double clear rounds.

Tallow’s Paul Beecher added to his points tally with a third place finish aboard Loughnatousa Eric, as the league moves into a vital phase where each point carries huge significance.

Young rider Timmy Doyle continued the excellent form which saw him placed last time out at Kileagh and finished fourth in Charleville aboard JS Bucks.

Tipperary’s Liam O’Meara slotted into fifth place withCurraghgraigue Jack Take Fligh, while another Tipp rider, Seamus Hayes, finished sixth with Barichello W.