GOLF: Rushmere lost out to Stoke-by-Nayland in the final of the Stenson Trophy, Suffolk men's inter-club scratch knockout.Stoke have been invincible in this event for the past four years and they recorded a seven and a half matches to four and a half win at a breezy Felixstowe Ferry on Saturday.

GOLF

RUSHMERE lost out to Stoke-by-Nayland in the final of the Stenson Trophy, Suffolk men's inter-club scratch knockout.

Stoke have been invincible in this event for the past four years and they recorded a seven and a half matches to four and a half win at a breezy Felixstowe Ferry on Saturday.

Rushmere established a narrow lead after the foursomes but were outgunned in the singles although several matches hung in the balance for some time.

The consistent James Wright won his foursomes with Michael Buck and then beat Andrew Tokley 3 and 2 in the singles to avenge his narrow defeat in the Suffolk matchplay semi-final at Aldeburgh.

That was Rushmere's only singles success although Andrew Robinson and Ross Howard both halved their matches.

The clash between Andrew Robinson and Tim Dainty was a repeat of the Suffolk Junior matchplay final at Rushmere which Robinson won with a spirited recovery. On Saturday he was one down on the 18th tee but drew level with a birdie at the last.

Howard was opposed by Ian McKay who was drafted into the Stoke singles in place of young Greg Hills who had suffered a heavy defeat in the foursomes with Scott Vandervord. They had crashed 6 and 4 against Kevin Eagle and Peter Robinson.

McKay went two down against Howard after the par three 12th hole in front of the clubhouse. His tee shot ended in a bunker short the green. His first attempt to escape the sand ended out of bounds in the car park. He tried again. Exactly the same thing happened.

Howard lost his lead and it was when he could only claim a half with a par on the 18th green that Stoke knew they had won with only one match left on the course.

Jamie Moul, with the left-handed Ian Younger, won his foursomes 2 and 1 against Danny Barton and Andrew Robinson. He met Barton in the singles and, not surprisingly in view of his international status, proved too powerful.

Stoke-by-Nayland have been the most powerful club side in recent years in both the Hambro Cup and the Stenson, but they will be fielding some new faces next year. By that stage Canham will have joined Bury St Edmunds as an assistant to Mark Jillings, Moul will probably be at university in the United States and Howe will be away at university as well. They have already lost Simon Dainty to the professional ranks.

Stoke's non-playing captain Alex Giddens said: "We were down in the foursomes which is something we seldom experience but we played some good golf in conditions that were harder than people thought."

Rushmere, on the other hand, will probably call on Suffolk county player Will Wright next year while youngsters Andrew Robinson and Stockdale will have gained in experience.

The officers of the Suffolk Golf Union were out in force for this final county event of the season on a course that was in excellent condition.

STOKE-BY-NAYLAND 7.5 RUSHMERE 4.5

Stoke-by-Nayland names first.

Foursomes: Tim Dainty and Kieran Canham lost to James Wright and Michael Buck 5 and 4. Andrew Tokley and Nathan Howe halved with Matt Stockdale and Ross Howard. Greg Hills and Scott Vandervord lost to Kevin Eagle and Peter Robinson 6 and 4. Jamie Moul and Ian Younger beat Danny Barton and Andrew Robinson 2 and 1.

Singles: Tokley lost to Wright 3 and 2, Howe beat Buck 3 and 2, Canham beat Stockdale 3 and 2, Dainty halved with A Robinson, Ian McKay halved with Howard, Vandervord beat P Robinson 5 and 4, Moul beat Barton 5 and 4, Younger beat Eagle 4 and 2.