JAMES Allan saw off some of the county’s best amateur golfers to be crowned this year’s Essex Amateur Champion, at Colchester Golf Club. 

A birdie on the first hole of a play-off secured the Chelmsford player victory in the two-day event, played over 72 holes. 

Allan beat the Rayleigh Club’s Jay Beisser in the play-off, after both players had finished six-under-par for the title. 

Allan (4) led at the halfway stage on three-under-par, following rounds of 72 and 65. 
The 78-strong field was then reduced to 43, for Sunday’s final 36 holes. 

Allan was closely followed by Beisser and Chingford GC’s Charlie Durman, who were both two under par.