MARCUS Ballard hosted his Captain's Day competition at Harwich and Dovercourt Golf Club.

There were male and female competitors in a field of 88.

Weather conditions were changeable to say the least and, at one point in the afternoon, players had to take shelter from the thunder and lightning that lasted about half an hour.

Despite the weather, there was some excellent scoring, particularly in the morning, and especially from the winner, Nick Rate, who returned a score of 43 points.

This has resulted in a handicap cut which sees him join category one with a new handicap of five.

In second place, with a score of 42 points, was Lee Bonello and third place went to John Grayson, with 41.

The longest drive for the gents was won by Eric Bushell, while the longest drive for the ladies was won by Sue Keen.

Keen also won the nearest the pin prize.

Special mention goes to Stuart Wallace, who scored a hole-in-one on the 175-yard par three fifth hole - an excellent achievement from a much-improved golfer.

There was some great news about two of the club's younger golfers, Jordan Slater and Tom Neale, who recently represented the Essex county colts team against Kent.

Slater and Neale were partners in the morning foursomes but were beaten.

However, both gained revenge for that defeat by winning their singles matches in the afternoon.

The two points they won ensured that the Essex side won 6½ to 5½.

It means the colts remain unbeaten in all competitions this year.

Other results: July Medal: Division one: 1st Mark Gillet nett 66 ocb, 2nd Neil King nett 66, 3rd Darren Law nett 67.

Division two: 1st Joe Cheesman nett 63, 2nd Lee Bonello nett 67, 3rd Steven Sheppard nett 68.