STOKE by Nayland Golf Club kicked off their Youth Shield League campaign with a 5-0 home win over Elsenham GC.

The rain held off and all the matches were played in a great spirit, even though there was a large handicap difference between the sides.

The Stoke boys were a real credit to the club, eliciting real admiration from the visiting parents and players.

Elsenham players also played in a great spirit, even though they were outclassed on the day.

The first four matches were a handicap mis-match, with the Stoke team of Sam Nixon, Max Toombs, Harry English and Isaac Toombs playing really well and gaining comprehensive victories.

Nine-year-old Toby Toombs, who was a late call-up, took on a player of the same age and only slightly lower handicap, in the last match.

Toby had never played the Constable course off the white tees before but was brimming with confidence.

He hit a fine drive to go one-up and never looked back, with his personal highlight coming on the par-three eighth green off the tee to 12 foot, before sinking the putt for birdie.

Toby's opponent fought back from five down at one stage to only two down after 13.

But Toby then upped his game, winning both 14 and 15 for a 4&3 victory, to complete Stoke's win.

Their second Youth Shield League match is at Colchester, on Saturday.

Stoke by Nayland GC's Silver Trophy team beat Bentley 4-1 in their second match of the season.

The match was played in perfect conditions with Bev Thomson, who led the Stoke team, winning her match on the 19th hole.

Margaret Bentley won 2&1 while Sue Latham continued her good form, winning by 3&2.

The final pairing saw Sue Spittlehouse win her match in an extremely close game, after two extra holes.

Fiz Grundy was victorious with 36 points as a total of 29 Stoke By Nayland Ladies played their weekly 18-hole stableford, on the Constable course.

It was a beautiful day and the course was in good condition ,although the greens are still recovering from their recent treatments making putting a little tricky to predict.

Result: Silver Division: 1 Bev Thompson 34pts; 2 Sue Spittlehouse 33pts; 3 Jane Golding 33pts.

Bronze Division: 1 Fiz Grundy 36pts; 2 Janet Hodge 29pts; 3 Hilary Cairns 28pts.

Copper Division: 1 Trish Jackson 25pts.