STOKE-by-Nayland just lost out after a close Norman Plum quarter-final match against Belfairs Golf Club, from Leigh-on-Sea.

Belfairs eventually won 3½-2½.

The conditions were very difficult, with swirling winds gusting up to 48mph and occasional showers.

The three away matches were all won by Belfairs, with Dean Brace and Steve Hewett losing on the 18th, Alan White and Bob Tokley beaten three and two and Trevor Brace and Guy Holland losing four and three.

Home advantage at Belfairs, which is a tight course, eventually came through for their captain, Ray Jones.

At home, debutants Kevan Priestland and Jason Hoggarth put in a fine performance to win five and four.

Luke Bennett and Ian Todd won three and one.

The other match played by Rich Fryer and Nigel Howgego was drawn, with the Belfairs pairing of Dave Bucke and Alex Tindall coming back from two-down with three to play.

The match was played in great spirits and Belfairs now advance to the next round against Chelmsford.