In scenes more akin to St Andrews or Augusta than south Essex, two young golfers held their nerve to sink the winning putts for their club.

Lewis Kendall, 14, and Jack Burns, 16, both played their part in shooting The Burstead Golf Club to victory over their local rivals from Crondon Park.

Both boys, pupils at Billericay's Mayflower School, beat players more than twice their age to help their team win a thrilling play-off victory in the second round of the prestigious Essex Leslie F Wood Championship.

Dynamic duo - Lewis Kendall (left) and Jack Burns Picture: ROB PRITCHARD

It was eight-handicapper Lewis, of Carson Road, Billericay, who sank the winning putt at the fourth extra hole of the tense play-off.

He said: "It was nerve-wracking, but I managed to hold it together to win it for us. I should have won it at the previous holes but I was pleased when my last putt went in."

More than 100 spectators, including club captain Les Spalding, enjoyed the climax.

He said: "It was great. Both lads were superb all day long. They are so committed to their golf they were out practicing during the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

"Lewis' dad, John, used to manage Billericay Town, so you can imagine how much they both love football, but golf comes first."

Jack and Lewis can often be found playing a round after school, and played at least 36 holes a day during their Easter holidays.

"We just love golf. It is a lot of fun and the more you practice, the better you get," said Jack, of Bury Lane, Langdon Hills, who won his singles clash during the match.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

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