THE warm summer conditions suited John Phillipson as he saw his handicap cut by two after a superb round that won him the seniors' stableford competition at the Essex Golf and Country Club.

Phillipson's handicap was trimmed from 20 to 18 after he returned 43 points to take first place in a field of 36 seniors.

It was a narrow victory, though, as John Manser was second on 42 points, while Adrian Grubb took third on countback with 40.

Nearest the pin was won by Ian Pike.