As he did throughout each of the preliminary, quarter-final and semi-final rounds, Payne fired early and maintained the rage over the course of the 36-hole championship final to shoot under par, eventually claiming the 2015 crown relatively comfortably.

“You have to start well in these games,” Payne said.

“And I was lucky enough to win the first three holes. I wouldn’t say I was comfortable at three up, but match play is a confidence thing and starting well always helps.”

The 2015 title is Payne’s first since 2013, the perennial champ missing last year’s decider after dropping the semi-final to eventual winner Craig Stojanovic - who ironically went on to beat Campbell in 2014 too.

Campbell got his revenge on Stojanovic this year, defeating the reigning champ in 8 and 7 in the semi-final.

He fired five under throughout the first 18 holes that day, but, on Sunday in the main dance, his putter let him down.

“Andy probably didn’t putt as well as he usually does,” Payne said.

“If he’d played like he did against Craig, I would have been in a bit of trouble.”

Payne says he didn’t feel like he had a point to prove after missing last year’s final altogether, but added this year’s win was very “satisfying” after impressive under par rounds against Brett Mackin (10 and 9), Rob Parfett (4 and 3), Wayne Carpenter (7 and 6) and Campbell. 

Payne also claimed the 72-hole stroke championship.

“After a couple of conceded putts, with that I was three under in the morning and then four under through the first eight holes in the afternoon,” Payne said.

“In match play, when you’re behind you only really play as well as your opponent lets you ... and when you shoot the scores I was, it’s going to be tough to beat.

“It’s a hell of a lot easier when you’re driving well and putting OK.”

In the Duntryleague lower grades, Dave Parfett overcame a spirited challenge from Ross Southwell to claim this year’s A reserve championship 4 and 3, while Sandro Rossetto dominated for the majority of this year’s B grade race, but the number one qualifier was made to work in a 2 and 1 victory over Adrian Acheson.

In C grade, Dave Ferguson defeated Kevin Campbell 7 and 5, the latter’s tremendous run from 15th in qualifying ended by the number nine seed.