HARWICH and Dovercourt Golf Club hosted the first round of the Thornton Challenge Cup, and were drawn to play last year's semi-finalists Upminster.

After the five foursomes matches in the morning, Harwich battled to an early 3-2 advantage, with wins from J Oakley and M Adams, D Stapleton and J Slater and E Bushell and C Wooldridge.

This left the ten remaining singles matches to be played in the afternoon.

Upminster took the initiative back by taking three of the first four games.

However, the home side fought back and, with wins from A Burwood, J Oakley, C Wooldridge and J Slater, along with a halved match from M Adams, the match was tied at 7-7.

A sudden-death play-off was in order and, after one extra hole A Burwood secured the match, sending the team into the second round.

The second round will take place on Sunday, June 1, with another home tie against Ilford.

Ladies' results: April Extra Medal: 1st Savannah Rate Nett 68, 2nd Kate Fender Nett 78 ocb, 3rd. Glynis Hutchence Nett 78.

The ladies' bronze team lost their match at home to Wanstead.

The Walker Cup (scratch bogey) was won by Eric Bushell with +1.

Second was D Heard with -2 and third J Newell with -2.

After 13 years as club administrator, John Bishop hosted a party to mark his retirement.

His position has been taken by Steve Hurst.