THE best under-18 golfers in Essex came to Gosfield Lake Golf Club to compete in the 2017 Essex County Boys Foursomes Championship.

Foursomes golf is preferred by the Ryder Cup stars at the pinnacle of the sport and the experience gained in county foursomes championships is where the first important steps are taken.

The wet conditions could not have been worse for the 28 pairs from 18 golf clubs competing in the morning round, played in heavy rain interspersed by some light rain.

With an improvement in the weather during the break for lunch the event organisers were encouraged to start the afternoon round.

But after 15 minutes, the rain was heavier than ever and given the odd rumble of thunder play was abandoned.

The Orsett GC pair of Tommy King and Alfie Buttle, two low single figure golfers, played impressive golf in the conditions and won with a round of 76 strokes over the testing Lakes Course.

Only two shots behind on 78 strokes were the Chelmsford pair of Nathan Parrish and Harvey Payne who were second after countback.

In third place after countback were Kieron Gravely and Harry Wood, from Boyce Hill GC.

In the handicap category, first place went to Josh Steele and Ben Carson from Stockbrook Manor GC with a nett 72 strokes, winning after countback.

Jack Fuller and Liam Kirkham from Three Rivers GC were second, also on 72 strokes.

The Gosfield Lake team of Piers Halley and Shaw Radley were the best placed from the home club with 76 strokes nett.

They finished ahead of Joe Richards and Ben Murray, also representing the host club.

The Essex County Golf Union president-elect Brian Collins presented the Boys Foursomes trophy to the Orsett pair, assisted by Gosfield Lake captain Ernie Cable.