SOUTHEND Golf Club's quest for the Gordon Forster Bowl in the National Association of Public Golf Courses national finals day held at the Farnham Park Golf Club, Slough, last Sunday will have to wait for another year.

A thunderstorm at tee time drenched all the competitors but not their enthusiasm.

Although the sun shone from mid afternoon, it was too late for the Southend team to make an impact on the leader board, as the Ruislip B team took the trophy with Portsmouth runners-up.

With teams competing from as far away as Newcastle, Southend finished in fifth place.

Larry Lauezzari, with 33 points, closely followed by Mick "Macca" McGregor 32, Ray Threadgold and John Kreyling with 29 and 28 pointsrespectively led the way for Southend.

Team captain Kreyling said: "It was an achievement to get to the final.

"The team have all played well throughout, but no excuses. I am proud of the team, especially Larry with his 33 points - even though he did leave his umbrella in the car!

"Let's hope we can make it to the next final and bring the trophy home ."