CLACTON’S golfers sealed their place in the Thornton Cup quarter-finals after winning at coastal rivals Frinton.

They triumphed 9½-5½ and now face Chigwell, in a match to be played at Bentley Golf Club, near Brentwood, on July 19.

Team captain Peter Hewett led his side into battle and it was the first time in many years the Tendring neighbours had met in the prestigious Essex Golf Union event.

In the morning foursomes, Jamie Reed and Tom Heffer and Danny Thomas and Ben Rendell both won 4&3.

This left their side trailing by three matches to two, at lunch.

Hewett rallied his team and sent them out for the afternoon singles in the order he felt best.

But after the last match went through the ninth hole, the contest looked to be heading Frinton’s way.

Clacton were up in three and down in five, with two matches all-square.

However, Clacton’s players, encouraged by their captain and a good contingent of members, started to dig deep.

Read was down five with six to play and won on the 18th against James Hyde, which showed the spirit of the Seasiders team.

Matt Baker, playing terrific golf, with five birdies in his round, won 6&4 against James Taggert.

Rendell lost 4&3 against Kevin Smith, Nick Tedder-Ward won two-up against Chay Pratt, Andy Hobbs got a well-earned half against Tigg Tanner and Jiwan Rai won one-up against Joe Bushell.

Heffer won 2&1 against Simon O’Brien, while Thomas won 5&4 against Hamish Stubbs.

Billy Leonard lost one-down against Peter Irwin and, in the final match, Mark Chamberlain won one-up against Stuart Grimwade.