THE battle to win the Watson Trophy took place at Dartford Golf Club recently, where the home side’s Michael Saunders eased to victory.

This competition is for Kent club champions only and one of Kent golf union’s key fixtures on the calendar.

Against a very strong field of more than 40 club champions, Saunders shot a 70 to beat Alfie Plant (Rochester & Cobham GC) and Ashley Colyer (Boughton GC) by one shot.

The blustery day made scoring difficult but Saunders produced shots of brilliance under pressure with an eagle on the 12th and birdies on the eighth and 18th in front of huge crowds.

Saunders is the first home player to win this highly-regarded event since former England and Walker Cup star Paul Page in 1992.