BELFAIRS took part in the Essex Seniors team championship with a home match against Canons Brook and lost 6-5.

Despite the cold and windy conditions the match was a very close encounter played in a friendly manner in the true spirit of the game and was enjoyed by all who took part.

There were four halved matches and the score could have been different, but Belfairs had the misfortune of three putting on the 18th green in some of the halved matches.

The highlight from Belfairs point of view was Hugh Brown's (12), with full handicap difference, beating a seven-handicapper (8 and 6).

This was an excellent performance from the Scot. There were also fine wins for Harry Burke and club secretary Brian Harvey.

Belfairs Golf Club also staged the Harold Foreman Cup over the weekend where competitors could play Friday, Saturday or Sunday to contest the annual competition based on medal play.

The greenkeeper had some interesting ideas on pin placements with the 14th par five ruining a few good cards.

Added to this Friday and Saturday competitors faced cold winds as they battled for the trophy. None of this seemed to bother popular Irishman Harry Burke, who recently returned from a spell in hospital, to receive the perfect tonic as the veteran followed up his fine form in the Essex Seniors the day before to shoot a sublime net 68 off his 13 handicap.

Newcomer Alan Elliott, who looks a far better player than his 21 handicap, pushed Burke all the way with a very tidy 69 while club champion Matt Mahoney rattled 70 to edge Peter Moir on countback for third.

In the midweek medal high handicapper Mark Duguid was on fire with an excellent net 63 off his 24 handicap to earn the medal and a cut of 3.2 shots.

Bob Hall (21) was best of the rest as his net 69 earned him second place while the consistent Peter Baxter weighed in with 90 for a net 71.

On Sunday Belfairs host Blakes Golf Club in the first round of the Leslie Wood with a trip to Chelmsford awaiting the victors.