ROCHFORD Hundred have changed their playing categories for medals and some knock-out competitions following instructions from the nat-ional handicap organisation.

The new categories came into force for the first time in Satur-day’s January medal — division one now up to five handicap, division two six to 12 and division three 13 and above.

Tony Hadley fired a level par 71 for a net 68 and victory in the top division in front of Steve Weidner (73-2=71) and Mitchell Sarling (73-2=71).

Ex-Southend United soccer ace Hadley really came alive with a one under par gross back nine which went with a birdie and six pars on the way out.

Both he and runner-up Weidner were cut one shot but Weidner, who birdied five holes and parred nine, was left rueing five shots dropped on two holes.

Sarling enjoyed a hat-trick of birdies plus 10 pars.

Division two winner Ray Chambers also saw his handicap come down one after his 80-9=71 pipped three other players on countback.

Chambers had a brace of birdies and eight pars which helped repair the damage from a double and triple bogey.

Second-placed Steve Pasfield also let five shots slip on two holes but recovered thanks to a trio of birdies and nine pars to edge out Stan Ferguson who had a birdie and 10 pars for 77-6=71.

The lowest nett score of the day came in division three where Ken Bensn (85-20=65) nipped in ahead of David Franklin (86-20=66) — both having their handicaps dropped by two. Rob Bryan’s 85-15=70 was good enough for third spot.

Benson had a see-saw round with eight pars the highlights. Franklin had a birdie and eight pars but eight shots dropped on the closing three holes proved punishing.