Justin Richards of Ilford Golf Club is through to round two of the Essex matchplay competition.

He defeated Ryan Bromage in a closely contested first stage contest which went down to the last hole, and ended with the Ilford player two up.

Club colleagues Ian Morgan and Jeff Ball join him with byes into the next round.

Meanwhile, Geoff Allen racked up 44 points as he won the division one title of the Stableford competition. Mahboob Khaliq took the division two title with 42 points.

Youngster Jack Bulley triumphed in a Bogey contest on Sunday. His score of two over secured him the first division title.

Elsewhere at Ilford, Frank Hall’s two over score won him division two. Steve Clarke’s evens finish garnered him second place.

Ilford ladies keep their April medal with a captain’s performance by Tracey Lawrence, who recorded a nett score of 67.