HARWICH and Dovercourt Golf Club were represented by a mixed team of six pairs in the Boudica Challenge Bowl, at Colchester Golf Club.

The greensomes stableford competition has been played annually by five clubs for more than 20 years.

The others are Frinton, Braintree and Clacton, who were looking for a hat-trick of wins.

Despite being the smallest club participating, Harwich played well and did themselves and their club proud by finishing as runners-up to hosts Colchester.

The team consisted of Viv Dale and Steve Lyons, Ruth and Ken Stapleton, Glynis Hutchence and Colin Daines, Linda and Bernie Burrows, Chris Bradford and Rod Osborne and Georgina Grout and Andy Hannon.

Meanwhile, Harwich's Katie Burrows, who has been playing golf for less than a year, continues to steadily reduce her handicap in every competition in which she participates.

She has recently won medals five and nine - the Yorkshire Hennibique and the Elizabeth Bernard Trophy - and her handicap is now 23.

Kate Fender was runner-up in the Yorkshire Hennibique while Linda Burrows was second in the Elizabeth Bernard.

Ruth Stapleton won the Dumbarton Quaiche Trophy. Burrows was runner-up.

Medal seven was won by Glynis Hutchence, with newcomer Mandy Champ second.

The first leg of the Barton Smith was played at Clacton, who won 4/2.

Harwich will hope to turn it around in the second leg, with home advantage in August.