Braintree Golf Club successfully negotiated their opening round of the Mail on Sunday Classic with a 3-2 win at Five Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Team captain Paul Buchan was returning to familiar territory, having been a member at Five Lakes for many years so he was especially keen to do well.

Terry Fisher was out first and concluded his game with a birdie on the 14th for a five and four victory, while Kevin Thompson made an outstanding comeback to win the closing four holes and triumph on the last.

It was left to Michael Groves to seal Braintree’s victory with a conceded birdie on the last after Andrew Goldsmith and Buchan both lost three and two.

The next round of regional matches will be played by March 15.