Boyce Hill's Paul Ring, who won the title two years ago, will be among the favourites when the 2004 Essex Amateur Championship is staged over 72 holes at Abridge Golf Club, near Romford, on Saturday and Sunday.

Ring is one of three former champions in the 81-strong field, which includes last year's winner Lloyd Kennedy (Chelmsford) and 2000 winner Stephen Middleton (Hainault).

In-form players challenging them are likely to be Oliver Fisher (West Essex), Justin Brown (Gosfield Lake), Daniel Brooks (Langdon Hills), Rhys Piper (Rochford Hundred), Jack Margetts (Warley Park) and newcomer Nicholas Cork (Chigwell).

The field will be reduced to the leading 42 on Saturday night after the first two rounds. Play starts at 8am on Saturday.

Published Friday June 11, 2004

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