Rochford Hundred's new Captain Andy Dawbarn turned the clock back for the competition which preceded his traditional drive-in on Sunday.

He and club secretary Alan Bondfield went back through the records and came up with some of the original holes in existence before James Braid redesigned the course in 1923.

Before that date Rochford golf course was on 66 acres but the members leased more land from the local farmer to extend it to 96.

Andy, one of the youngest Captains in the club's history, said: "We had a mixture of some of the former holes and cross country which was great fun to play and also interesting to research.

"I thought it would be a nice idea in the new Millennium to go back in time and judging from the reaction of those who played it was a success which we might repeat on other special days at the club."

There were 12 holes played with 48 players braving the torrential rain for a shotgun start.

The winner with 30 Stableford points was Thorpe Hall Captain Derek Bush who was one of the four other Kindred Club Captains invited.

Andy then drove in hitting the ball 226 yards before adjourning to the clubhouse for lunch. A total of around £500 was raised over the weekend for the Captain's charities.

Rochford Ladies also managed to brave the elements last week for a competition to mark Tina Dye's election as Captain - two clubs and a putter over nine holes.

Silver winner was Jo Rumsey with 17 Stableford points ahead of Mary Horn and Jackie Waghorn who notched 11 each. Bronze success was tasted by Maureen Wood who mustered 19 points.

Traditional welcome - Andy Dawbarn gets the 'guard of honour' treatment as he prepares to drive in as new captain of Rochford Hundred.

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Late Bysouth Trophy blitz for Watsons

Despite very heavy conditions, Basildon Golf Club staged the annual Bysouth Trophy with a narrow win for Watson brothers Steve and Mike - the last pair to finish.

They had a 45-points total in the Better Ball Stableford covering the first nine in 22 and the second in 23. Two pairs finished on 43 - John Wilson and Ray Tomlinson (19 and 24) plus Chris Wilson and Paul Mayor (21 and 22).

Next came two pairs on 42 . . . D Brooks and D Turner (16 + 26) and J Wilson and J Harrison (18+24).

Club theft plea

Just five days after becoming leader of the Wags Golf Society, Geoff Govier has earned the title of "captain no clubs".

He became the victim of a smash and grab crime at the Essex Golf Complex at Garon Park, Southend, when he had his Black Cat driver plus three, five and seven woods and Sundridge Graphite irons stolen.

A reward is offered for their return and Geoff can be contacted at Park Printing of Rayleigh on 01268 770390.

Burrough's senior mission

Although there's little golfing action at the moment with local courses swamped by continuous rain, there is some news from Boyce Hill.

Graham Burroughs, professional at the South Benfleet based club, has qualified to play on the full seniors' tour in the coming campaign.

And 28-year-old Christian Horwood has passed his final PGA exams to become a fully qualified pro.

He joins the Boyce teaching team of Burroughs and Ian Dudman and all three can be contacted at 01268 752565.

Despite the grim conditions, Boyce ladies have managed a couple of competitions.

The 11-hole Stableford ended in victory for Frances Spicer on 20 points while Maria Barham came top on countback over a trio of players who finished on 19.

Third was Jenny Darwin and fourth Jackie Soilleux.

The odd clubs Stableford saw victory itself sorted out on countback with Judith Smith beating Sally Garvey and Rose Blecher. All had 20 points.

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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