Bill Sharpe was the winner as the seniors of the Essex Golf and Country Club opened their Winter League campaign.

Sharpe was top of the 40 competitors to win the first of the eight rounds with a return of 40 points from his ten handicap, although he will now be playing off nine for the next round after receiving a cut.

In third with, 39 points, was 11-handicapper Adrian Grubb, who was just pipped on countback for second place by Nigel Gaspar, who also saw his handicap trimmed – from 24 to 23 – after his result.

Nearest the pin on the par three fifth hole, with a shot to 4ft, was Rob Chisholm.