RICHARD Watts headed the field to clinch the VJ Cup at Colchester Golf Club.

In the unremitting sun, a strong mixed field of 121 members contested the boarded competition.

The pressure was on at the top end of the leaderboard.

But playing off a 12 handicap, Watts completed the front nine in just two over par.

He lost shots on the next two holes but recovered enough to secure a birdie on the 13th.

That was followed by two bogeys and a double on the 18th, which was enough to give him victory.

Paul Smith (10) scoring 40 points to tie-in second place, one point behind.

Three players shared 39 to secure the minor placings including the leading lady, Maureen Devenish who was playing off 16 handicap.

Scott Vass (11) was third after the countback, with Richard Hayes (11) fourth and Devenish fifth, with the trio shaving their handicaps by one.

Colchester GC's Junior Captain Cai James held his Captain’s Day.

Edward Mason (21) romped home with the top prize with 44 points.

A birdie on the first saw him on his way and with equal halves of 22 points, he was comfortably home.

James Wright (27), who was one of three players to score 37 points, was second ahead of third-placed Arian Masud (7) and Theo Baker (16) in fourth.

Romy Bozier and Edward Mason were the winning mystery team, while Joe Jackson had nearest the pin.

Gill Minns (19) came out tops in the ladies' Stableford Trophy by two shots with Annette Wigley (21) and Janet Austin taking second and third place after a countback.

Minns had four pars balancing off her five double bogies, giving her a par-equalling 36 points.

Wigley and Austin had relatively weak front nines, which kept them away from the winner.

Catherine Chick (20) and Madryn Abnett (17) took the minor places, on 32 points.

Colchester's Curry Cup 10-8 win at Playgolf has put them firmly at the top of their league.

Only Stoke-by-Nayland can now overhaul them with their one remaining game, at Haverhill.

Either way in a high-scoring league, the runner-up may progress as best overall runner-up.

In the Scratch Youth Shield quarter-final, Colchester enjoyed a good victory over Stockbrook Manor.

Cai James, Josh Coleman and Max Maynard all won to book a semi-final place, in this very competitive competition.