A LARGE field took to the course to compete for the Ladies' Stableford Rose Bowl, at Playgolf Colchester.

The scoring was pretty close, with Nicky Withycombe taking victory with 35 points.

She finished just ahead of lady captain Lucy Sadler, who just missed out by one point, carding 34, with Paula Smith hot on her heels with 33.

There were six players chasing closely on 32 points.

The pairing of Ann Longman and Nicky Withycombe progressed through to the seventh round of the Daily Mail Foursomes, beating the Manor of Groves Golf Club 5&3.

Jan Blackmore and Rosalind Scott took the top prize in the Woodford Golf Club Ladies' Open while Lucy and Gavin Sadler took first in the Colne Valley Mixed Open.

Will Elder was in form in the hot weather for Playgolf Colchester’s Senior Medal.

On the hottest day on record, players were wilting with the heat.

Elder (13) won division one with 12 pars on his way to a 77 gross, 64 nett and consequently received a handicap cut to bring him down to 12.

Another fine round by in-form Barry Dayman (18) - 84 gross, 66 nett - put him in second place and Terry Pettitt (22) was third, with his 68 nett.

Division two was again very competitive, with Alan Cole (25) returning to form with his 65 nett.

Stephen Ashbee (27) pushed Cole with a solid 93 gross, 66 nett to come second.

Daniel Caffin (25) was third with 98 gross, 73 nett.

Birdies on the par three holes saw Michael Johnson and Terry Pettitt receive a sleeve of balls each for their efforts.