Rochford are carrying local hopes in two major Essex team competitions.

They won through to the quarter-finals of the senior County team event, the Thornton Cup, after a thrilling play-off success over Theydon Bois away.

They now meet Thorndon Park for a place in the semis after their 7.5 - 7.5 tie at Theydon.

And, in the Essex Senior Team Trophy, they entertain Woodford after a 7-4 home success over Hainault Forest.

The Thornton quarter-finals will be played on July 18 with bids for a last four spot in the Seniors taking place between July 19 and 23.

Jimmy Dale earned his side their last eight Thornton place in dramatic fashion.

Dale, whose handicap is plus two, won the sudden death play-off.

He went out against the home club's Adam Winwood for the decider in horrendous conditions -driving rain, plus thunder and lightning.

The duo kept remarkably cool under pressure to halve the first hole in birdie threes, but Dale's par on the second was good enough to edge out Winwood whose putt lipped out.

Published Thursday July 1, 2004

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