Petersfield Golf Club member Lesley Eaton became ladies’ champion for the sixth year running after the club held its two-day competition.

Eaton – who has won the 36-hole championship eight times – led the field on both days with gross scores of 81 and 83.

She beat ladies’ captain Jennifer Neal into second place with a 90 and 89 – as both ladies played to their handicaps.

Eaton said: “It was a great competition, played in the best spirit.

“I always feel the weight of others’ expectations when I play in this event.

“So, although I’m delighted to have won again, I am even more chuffed with my score – two over handicap for the 36 holes.

“Thanks go to all the helpers and ball spotters on the day and to head groundsman Pete Oliver and his team for getting the course into a superb condition.”

Injuries and illnesses meant a reduced field of 13 in the championships but the golf was highly competitive with some excellent nett scoring in the linked Handicap Cup competition.

After the first day there were six ladies only two shots apart with Jenny Smith and Eaton on nett 73, and everything to play for on the following day.

The scoring continued to be impressive with Jenny Smith, Lyn Criddle and Rona Mitchell all on a nett 71.

These scores were outshone by Sarah Gibson, playing in her first championship, who scored a nett 61 – 11 under her handicap.

Gibson had thought she was out of contention after a poor first round, but her exceptional second round clinched the Handicap Cup on countback from Jenny Smith – who also had an excellent overall net score of 143.

On the second day of the championships the annual 18-hole nett Championship Bowl was also played with 14 additional entrants who went out first.

Pauline Smith scored a nett 69, beating Lynda Hine by one stroke.

Championship runner-up Neal said: “The two days produced some excellent golf from all the ladies.

“Lesley Eaton was a worthy winner again of our ladies’ Championship Salver, and Sarah Gibson and Pauline Smith played some excellent golf to win the 36-hole Handicap Cup and 18-hole Championship Bowl respectively.

“We thank club captain Richard Williams for seeing all of us off on the first tee and for presenting the cups and prizes.

“Thanks also go to Sonia Andrews – who donated the Handicap Cup 33 years ago when the club was at The Heath – for handing Sarah the winning trophy.”

Ann Saunders