RICHARD Hayes triumphed in the Elmstead Cup Final, at Colchester Golf Club.

Hayes (12), receiving ten shots from Cai James (two), used them well in producing his well-earned victory in the delayed final of the Easter competition.

Hayes, who became a full member last November after using the club’s unique Trial Membership Scheme, chipped in twice in a tight match.

He finally triumphed over James with his second chip-in on the 16th hole to claim the Elmstead Cup, three holes up with two to play.

Shaun Holmes (ten) carded 40 points to win the Stableford Competition on the Braiswick course.

A superb back nine of straight pars with only a nervous wobble of a treble bogey on the 18th saw him wrap-up victory from David Latta (9) and Dan Eke (3) who both returned 38s.

Eke's gross of 71 was the lowest of the day.

Mike Sutton (7) returned 37 to take fourth spot and both Chris Carlin (16) and Thomas Durrell (12) scored a handicap-equalling 36 points to complete the leading group.

Sunday also saw the start of the county team competitions, with the scratch Thornton Cup squad being drawn at Risebridge Golf Club.

The team, captained by Tom Rothery, won the match 11-4 on matches.

Colchester were up 4½-½ ahead after the morning’s foursomes and with the first four players out in the afternoon’s singles winning, the 8½ points needed to win the match was quickly amassed.

The final score in the singles was 6½-3½.

Colchester move on to host Upminster in the next round, on May 6.

Max Maynard (four) led the field in the Junior Elmstead Cup qualifier.

He edged ahead of Josh Coleman (two) by one shot with a 68 nett, with Patrick Purcell (27) a shot back on 70 nett.

Max Day took fourth place from his 20 handicap when he returned a nett 72.

The qualifiers now go into a knockout format.

Colchester GC's juniors held their Easter Bunny Stableford, with Max Day easily winning.

He finished nine shots better than his accredited handicap of 20, scoring 45 points.

Second place off 19 handicap was George Langran, who scored 40 points while third with 38 was Max Maynard, who from his four handicap at least had the satisfaction of recording the lowest gross.