THE rough and tumble of the Guinness Premiership was swapped for the more serene surroundings of the golf course for Saracens rugby players.

For the Saracens Sport Foundation pro-am golf tournament took place at Mill Green Golf Club.

Fifteen teams of four golfers, each including a Saracens player and a professional golfer, competed in a day organised by club member and committed Saracens fan Toni Grant.

The Stableford tournament was closely fought, with two teams tied in first place on 91 points.

After a countback the team featuring Saracens tighthead prop Petrus du Plessis, plus golfers Peter Harvey, Ian Stewart, Bob Jones, was declared the winner.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old amateur golf prodigy Nick Ward, the county and regional champion for his age group, posted an astonishing seven-under par round of 65 gross, five shots better than the best PGA professional on the day.

All competitors met in the clubhouse afterwards for a barbecue supper.

Tim Hudson, general manager of Mill Green Golf Club, said: “Everyone involved in the day had a fantastic time, and Toni Grant deserves great credit for organising the event.

“The Saracens players were great value, and we all enjoyed playing golf and socialising with them.

“With both pro golfers and pro rugby players present, the atmosphere was incredibly competitive, but there was great good humour and a brilliant team spirit as we all recognised what a good cause it was.”

He added: “We hope to hold a similar event next year, and we look forward to welcoming the Saracens team back again!”

The Saracens Sport Foundation aims to change the lives of disadvantaged young people through sport, and currently runs around 20 separate community projects in the area.