A fine 100 per cent record from Ballards Gore's Mark Hooper helped Essex under-16s to a 9-6 win over Herts in their clash for the Cheshunt Salver at Bishop's Stortford.
With three of his team missing due to their qualification for the Keating Trophy, Brian Fuller, secretary of the County Boys' Committee, was worried about the strength of his line-up. However, Philip Rose (The Burstead) was one of four newcomers who acquitted themselves well as Essex won 9-6.
At one stage in the morning foursomes it looked as though Essex would be 4-1 down, but they fought back for a draw at 2.5 apiece.
Hooper partnered Chelmsford's Lloyd Kennedy to a 5 and 4 win and then triumphed 5 and 3 in the singles.
The Essex amateurs took on the county men from the paid ranks in their annual clash at Frinton and found conditions cold and windy.
The experience of the pros gave them a distinct advantage over the amateurs and their mastery of the conditions saw them to a 11.5 - 3.5 success.
Even Bradley Smith, the Essex captain, who, along with Jason Nicholls, provided the only individual win for the amateurs, said: "I would rather have been at the dentist!"
Despite the weather, positive reactions came from the pros, who welcomed the new strokeplay format.
There was little success for local players when the First of this season's Essex amateur competitions, the Keating Trophy, was completed at Braintree.
Sixteen players had battled through from the qualifying competition the previous weekend. Boyce Hill's James Parker had finished second then, but lost to 15th qualifier David Peters, of Thorpe Hall, on the last green in the first round.
Peters, 15th from the qualifiers, went out 7 and 6 to 16-year-old Ross Wilson at the next stage. Hanover's Glen Hooper made an immediate exit when he lost 5 and 4 to Bradley Smith (North Weald).
Eventual winner was Abridge's Kevin Cresswell, who beat 15-year-old Warren Hayter (Canons Brook) at the 20th in the final.
Thorpe Hall Ladies Bradban Cup, a Stableford for handicaps 29 and above, went to Daphne Cooper on 33 points from Pauline Ashley (28) and Ann Warrington (27).
Last orders for Belfairs barman Bill
Belfairs Golf Club members paid tribute to their retiring barman William "Bill" Allmark.
Bill has been a staunch member of the club since joining 36 years ago and has served the club on management and house committees. In 1987 he took the honour of captain.
Shortly after handing over the captaincy, Bill took over as bar steward. With a smile on his face and a comforting word or two, he has always been there to welcome the weary members after a hard day's golf.
Seizing on the opportunity presented by the prize presentation of the Belfairs Spring Stableford, captain Glen Bremerman gave a heartfelt speech before presenting Bill with an ornate figure of a woodpecker, the club's emblem.
There was also mixed emotions on the course - and not just because of the scoring. During Saturday's round, one member was struck on the side of the head by an opponent's ball from close range, rendering him momentarily unconscious.
However, after a visit from the local paramedics, and a brief spell in hospital, he is reported to be okay.
The competition itself was well supported, with victory going to Rod Montigue on 40 points. Brian "Helicopter" Hellicar was second on 39, followed by Greg Alden-Matey, Glen Bremerman, Tony Fagg and Chris Smith, all on 38 points.
Reg Owers and Andrew Meddle were both on 37 with Bob Whale, Kevin Buck, Barry Meddle and Craig Deal all on 36.
Thanks must go to course professional Martin Foreman for his generous donation of prizes and for persuading the likes of Hi-Tec, Ben Sayer, Cleveland Golf and others for their donations.
Belfairs' Ladies' senior April medal went to Mrs C O'Donogue (20) with a 71 from Mrs P Askins (22) 73 and Mrs A Davenport (18) 76. Division two went to Mrs S Yeldham (40) 73 from Mrs M Farrell (34) 76 and Mrs J Dowding (27) 78.
Dolores Foreman won Boyce Hill Ladies White Elephant Stableford off seven-eighths handicap. She had 37 points with Margaret Cook on 36.
Cheers - retiring bar steward Bill Allmark (left centre) is congratulated by Belfairs' captain Glen Bremerman
Picture: MIKE NEVILLE
Bye for Vidgeon
Defending champion Simon Vidgeon, who plays off five, is among nine players receiving first round byes in this season's Evening Echo Golf Society Sunshine Challenge tournament, which carries a first prize of a golfing trip to Portugal.
Vidgeon, from Burnham, is joined straight into round two by K Keinman (18) Ealing, Kim Shead (9) Ballards Gore, M Hodnett (8) Basildon, Jim Barker (21) Three Rivers, David Remington (7) Three Rivers, Mike Davill (16) Rochford, Harry McCulloch (14) Garons Park and Ian Russell (18) Three Rivers.
First round draw: David Hull (11) Hanover v Ian Brogan (3) Ballards Gore, Tom Neville (8) Austin Lodge v Phil Chick (10) Langdon Hills, C P Joslyn (6) Gorinex Str v Lew Monkton (10) Ballards Gore, John Malison (24) The Burstead v Keith Ballinger (13) Three Rivers, Donald Vidgeon (11) Burnham v Richard Shepherd (13) Ballards Gore, John Burfield (18) Hanover v Danny Whitworth (6) Castle Point, Simon Stone (14) Three Rivers v Brian Parker (14) Basildon.
Wind plays havoc at Castle
With a strong field of 64, Castle Point held their Pairs Bowl, and windy conditions ensured that scores of 46 points and above - which had won in the past - were unheard of.
The average score was 32 to 34, but R Cook and G Middleton took top spot with 40 points, with L Russell and I Shead one behind.
A bit of drama was added to the competition when R Carter and J Saitch also posted a score of 40, but were disqualified for signing a card which recorded a score entered in the wrong players column on one hole.
This was affected by the handicap allowance but the disqualified pair at least had the consolation of knowing that they would have lost on countback anyway.
Evening Echo Pairs Vase Golf Day
The ever-popular Evening Echo Pairs Vase competition is swinging back into action... but you'll have to be quick to book your spot in the line-up.
The date for the 2000 event is Wednesday, May 24 and this year's venue is Boyce Hill Golf Club. In the past, the launching of this competition has led to places in the field for this highly-coveted trophy being quickly taken up, with a waiting list developing.
So, if you want to make sure of a spot in the field for a really swinging day, complete the form below and send it off immediately.
The fee is £35 per pair, and the competition is open to all pairing, male, female or mixed. Those taking part must supply a club handicap on the day. Handicap limit is 18 for men and 24 for women. Society handicaps will not be accepted.
Those taking part are requested to note that pairs will be asked to make every effort to complete their rounds in no longer than three-and-a-half hours.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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