COLCHESTER Golf Club have eased their way through to the third round of the Thornton Cup.

They beat Upminster 9½-5½ to progress to the last 16 of the county scratch team competition, with positive vibes.

After a tight morning’s foursomes, Colchester came out three matches to two up.

But it was in the afternoon singles where the team really showed their strength in depth.

The first two matches underlined the tightness of the individual games.

John Blackmore and Nathan Howe had had a good win in the morning, generating just half a point.

Dan Nicholls added another win when he beat Jack Cook on the last, with Max Maynard coming back from two down to halve his match against Steve Connor.

With James Angel, Jon Evans, Alan Sharrocks and Cai James all winning their matches, the tie was secured.

Upminster certainly made a match of it but with only Brad Aldridge and Rob Finnigan winning their singles games they were not going arrest Colchester’s onward progression.

Colchester Youth Shield (Scratch) team also turned in a good result in their match against Clacton-on-Sea, beating them five matches to nil.

It was never going to be easy for Clacton as outside this scratch competition, there was a 20-shot difference in the aggregate handicaps.

Four of the Colchester team play pivotal roles in the seniors Thornton Cup team, which bodes well for their Youth Shield campaign this year.

The ladies held their Centenary Medals where Trish Wilson (six) won the scratch medal by seven shots from Cathy Burchell (ten).

The handicap Centenary Medal was an equally clear victory, with Catherine Chick (20) recording a nett 75 to win on a cold and windy day.

Heather Dennis (20) won on countback, followed by Fiona Prentice (20) and Hayley Joel (25) after the trio finished with 78 nett.

Fifth spot was taken by Lynda Hilliard (18), who returned an eight over par score of nett 80.

Romany Foster and Lorrie Austin paired to return a card showing 40 points, in a mixed greensomes event.

Sarah and Duncan Turner clocked in 38 points to finish second, with Wendy and Mike Smith carded 36.

The final place in the prizes went to Jo Mager and John Redden.