FRANK Taylor battled to retain the Crowne Plaza Trophy at Five Lakes.

The Crowne Plaza Invitational 18-hole stableford competition was open to all sections of the golf club, seven and five day members, ladies, juniors and men’s sections and 114 members took to the course.

Played in very testing conditions with a stiff north westerly with accompanying rain led to some interesting scores.

Nearest the pins on the par three eighth and 16th holes were won by Phil Roblin and Mike Owen.

The junior prize went to Joe Hart (14) the 2015 Junior Captain with 30 points.

The ladies’ prize went to lady captain Sarah Mann (18), also with 30.

Three men finished with 35 points, with Mick Gill securing a better back nine holes to finish third, ahead of Dave Chignell (13) and Tony Cook (13).

Second place went to long-time clubhouse leader Mark Ponder (8), with 37 points.

However, the winner, and retaining the Crowne Plaza Trophy for a second year, was Taylor (18) with 39 points.

The prizes were distributed by club professional Gary Carter alongside golf club captain Roger Hyman, who also thanked the competitors to help him raise more than £500 for his two nominated charities Essex Air Ambulance and St Helena’s Hospital.