TOM Rothery claimed victory in Colchester Golf Club's Coronation Cup.

The competition, first played for in 1937 on the Coronation of George VI, was played over two days for the first time this year.

Rothery, playing off eight, was victorious with his par-equalling total of 140 nett (74+66).

Rothery played a round on the second day that was made to talk about.

He was just one over par after 16 holes and although he finished bogey, double bogey, it was nevertheless an excellent round and a fine victory.

Paul Harrison (17), was runner-up with a nett 74 and 69 after finishing ahead of club captain Vic Pomphrett (7) on countback, after both shared 143 nett

Pomphrett led after the first day with a nett 68, one of only four rounds under par.

But a nett 75 put paid to his hopes on the second day.

Pomphrett retained the bragging rights with a hole-in-one at the par-three fourth hole.

Cai James (4) was fourth ahead of Shaun Holmes (11) and Stuart MacAulay (5) on countback, after the trio finished on 144 nett.

Dan Nicholls (five) had a disastrous nett 85 on the Saturday but returned a nett 67 the following day, 18 shots better.

In Colchester GC's Veterans Cup, Reg Allen (24) returned 39 points to finish two points ahead of vice-captain and 12-handicapper Stewart Ness, who was second.

In third spot with 36 points, courtesy of a 182-yard eagle on the par-five ninth, was Clive Hebden (ten).

Ben Kirk (19) and David Watts (15) both returned 35 points to finish fourth and fifth spots.

Colchester had a hollow victory over Benton Hall in the Youth Shield.

Louisa Storey and Joe Jackson both won but Dan Nicholls and Harry Hills lost to leave the scores level in games.

However, Benton Hall turned up one player short and had to concede the match.

More than 50 ladies contested Colchester GC's ladies Spring Meeting, which Janet Austin won with 40 points.

Austin, playing off 27 handicap, won the Bridge Box which was first presented at this meeting in 1984.

She finished just ahead of Sharon Manby, who from her 33 handicap scored 39 points.

Gill Crayston (28) was third on countback ahead of Alison Cordran (27).

Nearest the pins were Marilyn Wood (eighth hole) and Jane Lochore (16th), while Philippa Deman (seven) shot the best gross of the day.

Gill Crayston and Bev Parker were first on holes one to ten in the three-ball team game with 38 points.

Runners-up were Pat Kettle, Jo Mager and Annie Johnston, with 36 points.

Ladies captain Sheila Dornan, along with Fiona Prentice and Sarah Turner carded 32 points to win on holes 11 to 18.

Jan Murray, Sharon Manby and Sara Cock were second, with 32 points.

Divisional results: Silver: (1) Beverley Parker 34, (2) Maureen Devenish 33, (3) Linda Freeman 30.

Bronze A: (1) Patricia Walker, (2) Margaret Carter 33, (3) Nerys Horrocks 31.

Bronze B: (1) Sharon Manby 39, (2) Gill Crayston 38, (3) Alison Cordran 38.