COUNTBACK was needed to determine the winners of Stoke by Nayland's Ladies Open.

Woodbridge team Meg Ramsey, Ann Graves, Pippa Neal and Nina Neilson won with 41 points on the back nine.

They finished just ahead of Hintlesham quartet Jill Smith, Paula Tennent, Babs Hammond and Andrea Newman, who also registered 41 points.

Tennant registered an eagle on the par five fifth hole on the Gainsborough course, while six birdies were also scored during the tournament.

There were fewer entries this year, with 78 entrants from 11 clubs.

It looked as though it might stay dry until the middle of the afternoon but thunder and lightning left the pro shop no option but to call the ladies in before 3pm.

Four teams had finished their game so it was agreed that the others would not be asked to go out again, as this would delay the lunch too much.

A two-tee start meant that all teams had completed at least one nine so a nine-hole competition with a first, second and third prize for each nine was played, with the overall winners being those with the highest nine-hole score.

All ladies passed the halfway hut before the interruption and enjoyed the home-baked refreshments supplied by a band of volunteers.

Organisers Barbara Jones and Stella Buchanan thanked all those who helped on the day but gave special thanks to captain Ian and vice-captain Don who looked after the scoring.

Results, Stoke-by-Nayland Medal ladies competition: 1st Hilary Cairns 103-36=67; 2nd Nora Hutchinson 92-20=72; 3rd Pamela Randle 88-15=73; 4th Edel Rew 102-27=75.