CHRIS Scott won Colchester Golf Club’s first Walk-on-Stableford of the year.

It is not always easy to get a good qualifying competition in during late February but despite the recent heavy rain this competition went ahead, and from the back tees presented a very long course for the members to conquer.

With a 23 handicap, Scott took first spot following a countback from Tom Allison (5). His secret was to keep the ball in play on every hole and let his handicap do the work.

Allison, who collected four birdies on his round, avoided gathering any double bogies, which in the conditions was to be applauded.

Geoff Lawrenson (15) took third spot despite not scoring on the first hole. He avoided any double bogies, which was the cornerstone to his 36 points.

The men’s Winter League preliminary knockout rounds have now been completed. As always the knockout stages produced a few shocks and quiet surprises.

The Kevin Prince and Hilary Persent versus Mick Potter and Lorrie Austin contest was always going to be a close encounter and it was finally decided by Persent’s birdie on the 18th.

The Williams twins, Joe and Ben, beat Duncan Stewart and David Harper and Chris Doyle along with Andrew Patrick tucked away Les Daughtrey and Peter Robinson to move into the quarter-finals.

Shaun Holmes and Steve Cullis had a good win against Colin Gathercole and Mike Withers.

While the fancied pair of John Redden and Bob Tebby came out tops against Mike Lapham and Graham Baxter. Jim Wilkinson, along with Ian Devenish, had a good win against Mark and Harry Hills.

Making an early exit were the pairing of Stuart Reed and Bill Eke who were beaten by Tim and Paddy Logan.

Finally, making up the last qualifiers, were Dean Hughes and Julian Munson, who had the better of the strong pairing of Keith Newnham and Lionel Keightley.