A SOLITARY point proved to be the difference as Sheila Dornan held her ladies Captain's Day at Colchester Golf Club.

The team of Philippa Deman, Heather Dennis, Bridget Whitworth and Annie Johnston won with 98 points.

In a close competition, Sheena Nunny, Jan Murray, Wendy Smith and Janet Austin were runners-up just one point behind.

With the same margin, third place went to Chris Clarke, Maureen Devenish, Linda Freeman and Judith Robertson.

In fourth place were Adrienne Strover, Rosie Helliwell, Gill Minns and Penny Fairs, with 95 points.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Cherie Clarke on the 8th and Claire Withnall on the 16th, while Rosie Helliwell took the putting prize.

The competition was held a day after heavy rain but despite the underfoot conditions the sun did Dornan proud and the day went well.

David Drake kept his nose ahead of the chasing pack when he won the Essex County Standard Silver.

First presented in 1984, this year must have been played in the wettest conditions of them all.

Almost 175 millimetres of rain had fallen on the course in the previous three weeks and 58mm on the preceding Wednesday and Thursday.

The fact the Essex County Standard Silver was held at all is a minor miracle and a very positive reflection of the course and the greenkeeping staff.

It was even more appropriate that Drake won as during the course of the day, a deluge cause many to walk off the course as it almost became waterlogged.

Nevertheless, his nett 69 from his 17 handicap was just one shot clear of six others who all returned a nett 70, impressive for all in the conditions.

Shaun Holmes (ten) was deemed runner-up after the countback with Julian Munson (nine) in third.

Adam Lock (six) was fourth with Richard Withnall (four), Steve Bozier (12) and Andrew Smith (eight) sharing the same score.

Colchester GC's veterans continue with their friendlies, having mixed results.

After an 8&0 defeat at Burnham on Crouch, a 6&2 home win over Colne Valley gave them some relief.

Colchester GC's ladies Silver Trophy team lost 4&1 at Stapleford Abbotts, who excelled on their own greens.

But Colchester turned the tables when hosting a strong team from Boyce Hill, whose handicaps were all less.

Colchester won 4&1 in a match played off scratch.