PAUL Shires claimed a countback victory as Maldon Golf Club staged their annual RNLI Spoon charity competition.

Shires narrowly saw off runner-up Matt Pepper after both players returned 40 points, in a closely-fought stableford contest contested by 60 members.

Alan Buckingham was third on countback ahead of Jon Dormon, after both players scored 38 points while Martin Read was a point behind in fifth.

The nearest-the-pin prize on the par three fifth/14th hole went to Alan Buckingham.

Aaron Dickson won the prize for the closest second shot to the par four sixth/15th hole.

He holed his second shot from 55 yards across the pond for an eagle two and five stableford points.

Around £200 was raised from entry fees at the charity competition.

Maldon ladies played their Autumn Meeting, with Margaret Caviel claiming victory.

Kate Stevenson was runner-up, ahead of third-placed Mary Clark.

The 'nearest-the-line' prizes for the straightest drives went to Sue Gardiner and Kate Stevenson.

Maldon GC's men's monthly stableford was won by Alan Brown, with 37 points.

Kevin Clarke was second on 34, ahead of third-placed Dave Poynton (33 points).

Maldon GC's Seniors' Waddington Shield was won by Seniors' captain Eric Bane, with 32 points.

Tony Reece-Ford was second with 31 points while James Marling just edged Chris Pratt for third place on countback, after both players recorded 30 points.