Southend's Golden Day Trophy certainly didn't live up to its name for competitors who went into action on Saturday.

For driving rain came close to closing the course. Sunday golfers enjoyed far better weather and Rob Halpen, who plays off 15, covered the front nine in 42 and the inward half in 39 for a net 66 and victory.

His gross 81 included six pars and birdies at holes three and ten. Ron Edwards, who regularly features in the honours, had 84-17=67 to finish second. His birdies came at three and 15.

Tony Jacques was third with a steady 39 for each half and 78-10=68, while past captain Darren Lee showed good form with a 75-6=69 for fourth spot.

Eamonn Flynn, who won the junior medal the previous week, took fourth spot with 81-12=69.

Club captain Stan Ferguson, winner of consecutive competitions, didn't fare so well this time. Was it the pressure of partnering press secretary Chris Baker. . .or did he know that Tiger Woods was coming to an end of his winning streak as well?

Whatever the reason, Stan splattered his way round for 83-7=76.

Basildon staged their Standard Flag competition which was won by Dave Fisk.

This was a strokeplay event where players have an allowance of 72 (the par of the course) plus their handicap.

As Fisk plays off 16, he had a total of 88 strokes and finished in the first hole having six shots left after 18 holes - a score of six under par.

In second place was Kenny Brace with two shots left after 18 holes. He finished well up the first fairway. Stan Evelin finished in third place with two shots left.

Basildon's squad in the nationwide team knockout competition organised by a national newspaper had an excellent win in their first round match against local rivals Belhus Park with a convincing 3-1 success.

Ron Wilkes won 4 and 2, Jimmy Dennison 1 up and Steve Rooney 2 and 1. Jim Bishop lost 4 and 3.

Beverley's Hills awards

At the Langdon Hills ladies' section annual presentation night, trophies were handed over by Southend's own female professional Beverley Lewis, now best known as a golf commentator with BBC Television.

She was assisted by lady captain Carol Bell and vice-captain Joan Horner. After the presentation, Beverley answered questions sent in by the ladies on the rules of golf and about some of the recent changes to the laws.

At the end of the evening a collection was held and £27 will be sent, at Beverley's request, to the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre appeal.

Main trophies went to Mary Jenkins, lady golfer of the year and LGU silver medal, Pat Grix, past captain's trophy, and Jane Sheehan, bronze medal winner.

Boyce Hill Ladies held an 11-hole "odd clubs only" Stableford with victory going to Jenny Darwin (25 points) from Carol Hammond (24) and Lin Shepherd (23).

In the three-club-and-putter Stableford Carol Hammond won on 20 points from Kate Lincoln (19) and Jenny Darwin (17).

Trusty Steed wins

Thorpe Hall Ladies found February medal day a battle with the elements and not one golfer completed the course.

Two business girls played in sunshine on the Sunday and Susanne Steed won the silver division on net 90 and the bronze went to Lisa Blackman (77).

With conditions improved, the ladies played teams of three aggregate Stableford over the back nine with victory going to Ann Creffield, Shirley Willmore and Brenda Price on 51 points.

Beryl Barber, Lorna Laurie and Betty Sharp beat Joanne Dean, Lisa Blackman and Beverly Bonora into second.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.