GLENN Sibbons persevered over the weather and his fellow competitors to win Colchester Golf Club’s Cooper Bland Cup.

The competition, which is one of Colchester’s oldest trophies, was first played for 118 years ago.

But in that long period of time, it could rarely have been played in such miserable weather.

On a day borrowed from mid-winter, with drizzle never far away, temperatures were in the mid-single figures and this competition normally introduces spring to the club.

The only spring introduced on this day was the bounce in Sibbons’ step.

Sibbons beat a weather-depleted but strong field of almost 100 players by two shots, showing determination in putting together two halves of five over par from his 11 handicap to seal victory in this boarded competition.

Shaun Holmes (nine) lead the chasing hordes with a nett 71 after a countback from Guy Lennox (eight), who securing third.

Holmes’s back nine of two over par was crowned with a birdie on the last.

Andrew Smith and Iain Cruickshank, both playing off eight, returned 72 nett to take the minor placings.

Lowest gross of the day was Dan Nicholls (three) with a 76, which under the conditions was excellent.

The ladies enjoyed poor but slightly better weather earlier in the week when they played a medal.

Sheila Dornan (26) came out tops with a three-under-par nett 69 putting her three clear of the 52-strong field.

Janet Austin (22) was second with a handicap-equalling 72 just one better than Patricia Walker (25).

Julie Dicks put in another solid round of 74 from her 13 handicap to record a 74.

Rounding off the top scorers were Nikki Bryant (8) and Sharon Manby (28), both carding nett 76s.

Colchester's veterans held a mid-week stableford where Michael Berry (19) romped home, with 38 points.

Bob Tebby (17) and Reg Allen (23) were two points back on 36 with Tom Day (11), David Humberstone (13) and John Bloomfield (19) all three returning 35 points.