COLNE Valley Golf Club's Pearl Powell and 15-year-old Rosie Shackell won the final of the Essex Hunter Foursomes to become county champions.

They trounced Jayne Stockwell and Holly Haslam of Stock Brook Manor six and five in non-stop drizzle at Langdon Hills Golf Club.

Watched by a gallery of county officials, fellow golfers and relatives, 16-handicapper Powell and Shackell, who plays off 18, maintained an iron grip upon the round, even when their opponents threatened a comeback with a successful run of holes.

The competition is contested by teams consisting of an adult lady and a junior.

The Colne Valley pair were presented with their trophy by Essex Ladies County Golf Association president Philippa Deman.

Meanwhile, back at the club in Earls Colne, the ladies joined up with the seniors for their autumn shambles get-together which was won by Paul Neale, Marion Gaught and Claire Wheeler with 96 points.

They were a long way clear of runners-up Bernie Gaught, Keith Nice and Lyn White, with Paul Therrien, Lynne Southgate and Angela d'Angibau third.

Nearest the pin winners were Ruth Finch and Jerry Callow.

Meanwhile, the October Junior Trophy was won by Cameron March with 39 points.