STOKE by Nayland Golf Club have booked their place in this year’s Norman Plum Final.

They beat Abridge 5-1 in an exciting semi-final to set up an Essex County team final against Chigwell GC at Boyce Hill, on September 13.

The competition sees six players in action at home and six away, before the final is held on a neutral course.

At home, Stoke by Nayland’s Dan Brown and Dan Goddard conceded 11 shots to their opponents.

A two-hole lead was recovered at the turn but the 17th proved decisive, as they went one up with one to play.

Brown put his tee shot ten feet from the pin and halved the hole, to secure Stoke by Nayland’s first point.

Gary Thompson and Chris Williamson were three down at the turn but fought back to win, one up.

Karl Cansdale and Kyle Worster lost out but Stoke by Nayland claimed a 3-0 away win.

Dean Brace and Tim Dickens won two holes up as did Ian Benson and Keith Hodgson, while Marcus Harden and Craig Morton triumphed 8&6.

Result: home team: Dan Brown/ Dan Goddard won 1 up; Gary Thompson/ Chris Williamson won 1 up; Karl Cansdale/ Kyle Worster lost 4/3.

Away team: Dean Brace/Tim Dickens won 2 up; Ian Benson/Keith Hodgson won 2 up; Marcus Harden/ Craig Morton won 8/6.

A field of 33 ladies contested Stoke by Nayland’s long-standing Club Captain’s Prize, on the Gainsborough course.

Fran Chandler won the stableford competition on countback with a score of 37 points and was presented with her trophy by club captain Julian Lamb.

Results: Junior Club Championship: 1st Callum Hensby 77 + 71 = 148; 2nd Sam O’Brien 78 + 77 = 155; 3rd Alex English 80 + 81 = 161.

Laird round six, division one: 1st Alex Royce 40 points; 2nd Paul Frost 39 points; 3rd Matthew Eaves 38 points.

Division two: 1st Chris Folan 36 points; 2nd John Jones 36 points; 3rd Colin Pottle 35 points.

Laird after six rounds: Alex Royce 110 points; Richard Llewellyn 110 points.