Ilford's Thornton Cup team went out in the first round yesterday after a tense match at home to Stock Brook Manor.

In tough blustery conditions, Stock Brook took the early lead in the morning foursomes finishing 3½-1½ ahead going into the afternoo singles. The afternoon saw the rain die down some what but the wind still held out whilst the team took to the task of overturning the deficit. Coming down to the last match Ilford had managed to edge ahead 7½-6½. Unfortunately the last match went against Ilford which meant Mark Durrant had the unenviable task of playing in the play off.

The play off lasted just the one hole with both players teeing off with nervous shots pushing them both out to the right of the trees on the first hole. Stock Brooks player got a little lucky with his approach shot as it hit a tree it managed to squeeze past and trickle up just before the green. Mark hit a great approach shot and was unlucky to see it bounce off the green at the back. Stock Brook then chipped on to within inches whilst Mark left himself a tricky 3 foot putt which unfortunately sailed down the right hand side of the hole, handing Stock Brook the victory.

Ilford now have the opportunity to play in the Thornton Cup plate competition.