ALAN Smith fired the round of the day at the fourth set of qualifiers for Playgolf Colchester's Club Championships.

Smith (16) carded an amazing gross 78 (nett 62) in division two, the lowest gross score in all three divisions.

He smashed his handicap by an incredible eight shots to earn a two-shot handicap cut.

That included an exceptional, additional-shot cut, to play off 13 next time out.

Smith’s card highlights came with eight pars and a pair of par-four birdies.

Steve Turner (14) carded seven pars and a par four birdie as part of his gross 82 (net 68).

Andreas Fantousi (17) clinched third place with his nett 70, his card highlights consisted of four pars.

Daniel Haste (24) also earned a shot handicap reduction with his nett 67.

Second and third places needed countback to separate a trio of players all sitting on nett 69.

Senior captain, Michael Johnson (23) headed the group, from third place Trevor Hollingsworth (18).

This left Graham Adye (18) just off the pace in fourth place.

Some excellent golf was produced at the qualifiers, backed up with scorching scores to match the weekend's weather.

The superb course conditions saw receptive greens and some challenging pin positions.

Mick Farr (10) won division one with his gross 79 (nett 69) with six pars.

That was topped with a brace of birdies, including one on the par-three 14th and par-four 18th.

Promising junior, Jonathan Tait (11) carded six pars to take second place with his gross 82 (nett 71).

Ron Gilezan (13) was third with his nett 72, consisting of seven pars.

Playgolf Colchester's Seniors team progressed to the fourth round of the Essex Seniors Team Knockout competition after beating a strong Stoke by Nayland side.

It turned out to be a remarkably exciting match, closely monitored by the two non-playing captains Peter Garnett (Stoke by Nayland) and Michael Johnson (Playgolf).

The teams were neck and neck throughout and the outcome was never a foregone conclusion.

The result was decided on the final hole by the last pairing, after Playgolf’s Brian Banks sank his three-foot putt.

Johnson said: “It was one of the finest matches I have witnessed - I'm very proud of my players."

Playgolf's seniors held their annual Bob Goff competition in ideal conditions.

Brian Banks (18) took the honours with a creditable 41 points, which included seven pars.

Ken Ellsmore (25) was second with 38 points with Peter Saye (15) third place on countback from Alan Barrett (19) and Keith Murray (24), with all carding 36 points.

Despite the searing heat, there were some excellent scores returned in Playgolf Colchester's Ladies June Stableford competition.

Linda Dundon had a great back-nine to win division one on countback.

She edged out Lucy Sadler, after both earned shot handicap-cuts by carding an excellent 37 points each, while Shirley Birkin was third with 32 points.

Jeanette Shea won the second division to become the third player of the day to earn a handicap cut, after recording a round of 35 points.

Vice-captain Pauline Jordan narrowly missed out, coming in just one point adrift on 34 points, with Emma Rowe third on 31 points.