Langdon Hills' Daniel Brooks was the star when Essex emerged triumphant from the regional qualifying competition for the national under-18 boys' championship at Moor Park.

Essex, who scored 729, will now be representing the south-east region after gaining a one-point success over second-placed Hertfordshire.

The morning round saw Brooks come in with 66, one of only a handful of players to break par on a long and beautifully prepared course.

He was well supported by all the other team members to give a lunchtime score of three over - a five-shot cushion over second-placed Kent.

In the afternoon Brooks again produced the goods with a 67 to become the only player in the field to shoot a sub par 36-hole score.

A solid contribution by all team members, who included Rochford's Rhys Piper, gave Essex a five over team score.

The national final will be played over three days from July 30 at the Dorset course of Broadstone.

Published Thursday June 10, 2004

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