GOLF: Rushmere took several of the honours in the Suffolk Junior Open Championship at Newton Green last week. Jennifer Woodhatch had a return of 43 points and recorded the best girl score of the day while Andrew Newman and Mark Richardson came out on top in categories one and two.

RUSHMERE took several of the honours in the Suffolk Junior Open Championship at Newton Green last week.

Jennifer Woodhatch had a return of 43 points and recorded the best girl score of the day while Andrew Newman and Mark Richardson came out on top in categories one and two.

Former European Tour player Robin Mann's son, Curtis, was runner-up to Richardson in category two, but Andrew Robinson, who plays off a four handicap and was one of the favourites to win the scratch prize, could only manage an eight over par 77.

The winner was 17-year-old Craig Rose, a ten handicapper from Haverhill, who shot a five over par 74. After reaching the turn one under par, Rose looked set for a good score, but had a bad start to the inward nine with four bogeys and one double bogey on the first five holes. He had pars at the last four holes to finish with 74.

There was an entry of 70 juniors from all Suffolk clubs that competed in what has become an annual fixture on the golf calendar.

This championship is always held on the Thursday after Easter, but this year it unfortunately clashed with Suffolk's match against Essex involving 16 and 18-year-olds.

The weather was ideal with warm sunshine, and the Newton Green course was in very good condition.

John Whiting, the Suffolk Alliance president, thanked Newton Green for hosting the event, and to parents, friends and helpers who had given their support and provided transport on the day.

He also thanked all junior golf organisers who had given their help, and in particular Alan Reeve, who is responsible for a lot of the young talent in the county. He had watched the golf throughout another successful day.

Prizewinners

Championship: Craig Rose (Haverhill) 74.

Best girl score of day: Jennifer Woodhatch (Rushmere).

Category One (handicaps 0-14): Andrew Newman (Rushmere) 42 pts, Jack Ruffels (Felixstowe) 38, Tom Everitt (Newton Green) 37.

Category Two (15-24): Mark Richardson (Rushmere) 45, Curtis Mann (Rushmere) 42, Chris Maynard (Ipswich) 40.

Category Three (25-36): Patrick Spraggs (The Suffolk) 47, Craig Bradford (Stoke-by-Nayland) 44, Peter Thornett (Diss) 41.