The Suffolk junior captain defied heavy April rain to check in with a superb one under par 71. Playing from two, it translated into a winning 39 points in Division One. As a result, Stephenson is now down to a handicap of one.

Despite the drenching conditions, a field of 85 turned out and Stephen Stutters will have been delighted with his return of 44 winning points in Division Two. But, he must do it next time off 19!


The Suffolk and Stowmarket clubs both went out of the Stenson Shield in the second round on Saturday.

Stowmarket were expecting a better showing at Halesworth, especially after winning the foursomes by 2.5 to 1.5. But, they finally went down by 7.5 to 5.5.

The Suffolk failed to take advantage of their own Forham St Genevieve course when they entertained Fynn Valley, going out by a hefty 9.5 to 2.5 margin.

Other results included Newton Green finishing level with visiting Rookery Park, only to lose a sudden death play-off. Diss on the other hand went through by winning their extra-time holes after being all-square at Southwold.

Haverhill enjoyed a 7-5 success over a Stoke-by-Nayland team, apparently missing some of their top players.

Thetford seniors re-introduced their own invitation day on Friday, when mature golfers from several clubs around the region enjoyed near perfect weather and conditions over the lovely heathland layout.

Overall winners on the day were Derek Rutherford and guest Graham Sanders from Manor of Groves, who ran up a healthy 45 Stableford points.


The Bury St Edmunds club's bid to encourage more female members with a special introduction and coaching day next Wednesday has received a big response.

Already more than 60 applications have been received for the three sessions at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Head professional Mark Jillings says there are still a few places left.

Classified scores. Stenson Shield. Second round: Halesworth 6.5, Stowmarket 5.5. Stowmarket scores: S Forgan & J Jameson lost 4&3, M Darling & C Underwood halved, T Collett & R Gilchrist won 4&3, P Green & K Jameson won 1up.

Singles: Forgan won 5&3, Darling lost 5&4, Underwood won 5&4, Jameson lost 5&3, Green won 5&4, Collett lost 6&5, Gilchrist lost 5&3, Jameson lost 5&4.

The Suffolk 2.5, Fynn Valley 9.5. The Suffolk scores foursomes: P Pearce & M Henfield lost 5&3, S Byford & M Greener halved, C Durant & D Frew lost 2down, R Tungate & C Tate lost 2down.

Singles: M Pidgeon lost 5&4, T Pakenham won 3&2, Byford lost 3&2, Greener lost 5&4, Tungate won 3&2, Durant lost 2down, Tate lost 1down, Pearce lost 5&4.

THETFORD. Men's John Fison EGU qualifier: G Clements 81(15)66 ocb from R McGregor 82(16)66, P Waters 86(15)71.

Seniors Stableford: J Brooks 43pts, D Carlin 38, G Goodchild 35.
Women's Heats & Flowers competition (holes 7 to 11 decide winner):
L Wigg 39pts (7-11 12pts), C Edgar 29 (10), H Ayres 27(10).

Junior Team Challenge (teams of six with best five scores to count): Barnard team 162 (L Dodds 36, M Keeble 25, N Guthrie 34, V Porter 30, G Gamble 29).

Myhill Scratch team: 159 (C Taylor 36, D Halil 31, J Shapland 27, G Kitley 31, A Riordan 28, H Clarke 33).

Junior Captain's team: 156 (O Chapman 34, A Burridge 24, Garrard 32, T Scott31, G Scott 23, J O'Doherty 35.

Seniors Invitation Day winners: D Rutterford & G Sandrs (Manor of Grove 45pts. Others: D Edgar & B Horne (Chelmsford) 44, R Ellis & C Stammers (Richmond Park) 43, S Law & B Morrison (Stowmarket) 42.

Nearest pin: 1st B Horne (Chelmsford). 16th: B Morrison (Stowmarket). Putting guests: D Dawson (Bishop's Stortford) 19. Members: B Pearson 16.

BURY ST EDMUNDS. Men's Midweek Stablelford (85 entries) Division One: T Stephenson (2)39pts, J Cullum (5)38, E Wallis (11)37, S Beahan (10)35, G Hobden-Clarke (15)35, P Finch (12)35, M Day (15)35.

Division Two: S Stutters (22)44, C Baker (21)41, S Bradford (20)40, G Barrett (20)39, J Cooper (22)38, G Freer (22)38, D Rush ((22)37, N Browne (17)37.

Women's Golf of the Year. Joint winners: S Anderson & J Thompson 50pts each. P Madams 49.
LGU Silver medal: L Wright.
Bronze: B Simm.