Quechee, Vt.—One obstacle stood between Pittsfield’s Donnie Troy and the New England Amateur title yesterday.

Rain.

Following rounds of 69-71 on the par 72 Quechee Club, Troy’s 4-under total left him four shots back of eventual winner Brent Paladino with 36 holes remaining. But the same rainy weather that plagued play on Wednesday returned again yesterday and forced the cancellation of the final two rounds.

“It started pouring—really bad,” said Troy, who ended up tied for 5^th, the best showing by a Berkshire County player since Lee’s Jim Salinetti won his 2^nd New England amateur in 2000. “I definitely could have finished better than 5^th if it hadn’t rained.”

Admittedly, Troy struggled with his game at the Mass. Amateur two weeks ago, where he failed to advance to match play. But he returned to form thanks to improved ball striking, although he played the Quechee Club’s five par 5’s in even par.

“This is the best I’ve played in a year,” said Troy, who will now try his hand at qualifying for the prestigious Western Amateur next Monday.

Troy earned 145 points and regained the top position from Skyline’s Mike Slosek in the Men’s player of the year standings, presented by the Scarafoni Financial Group. Slosek shot rounds of 71-74 and tied for 25^th. He earned 75 points.