Brian Morgan did a great job looking after Jim Taylor, who tended to go off the rails at times. In fact, Brian was stunned at Jim's behaviour as he was on a spend, spend, spend, spree. He even bought a driver from the professional at Rosslare, an 11 degree Callaway; Brian Morgan was very envious. Everyone was wondering has our Jim had a secret win on the lottery!
On Tuesday they played a stableford competition, to re-acquaint them with the course. The Rosslare course was in good shape, much like Tenby's, with a good deal of work being undertaken as part of the five-year plan. Despite the dire weather forecast for Ireland a few days earlier, with rain and wind being given, it did not turn out so bad; although windy, it remained dry.
Brian Morgan won the competition on 35 points; second was Stan Hudson on his first trip to Ireland and obviously quickly settling in with 31; third was Derek Bath with 30. There were several with 29 points and the strong man of the day was Clifton John with 22.
Wednesday dawned and the gods remained, with the Seniors remaining dry, with less wind, but colder. They played against Rosslare Seniors in a match, four ball bestter ball. This traditionally over the years has always gone in the home team's favour, but the visitors put up a sterling display, going down narrowly 3-2.
Considering Tenby were up against some very good mid-handicaps 10-11, who had home advantage, it was an admirable effort.
In captain Brian Waters and Owen Monaghan's match, a lot of holes were halved, before losing a couple on the front nine, only to come better on the back nine, to lose by 3 and 2. Peter Williams's game was much the same.
Tony Morgan struggled a lot early on, but Stan had held the ship steady on the front nine, before Tony came good on the back nine to help his partner to a narrow win.
By the time it came to the match involving our Jim and Bubbles, it was dawning on Jim what he had done and he spent a lot of time thinking of where his money had gone and not his golf! Bubbles did try to cheer him up, but like Albert, Jim's money had gone!
Brian and Clifton held on in the early holes, and when Brian, still recovering from the shock of Jim Taylor's spending spree, went off the boil or on to the beach, Clifton came to the rescue to win vital holes, to end the match 1 up.
Results: Owen Monaghan and Brian Waters lost 3 and 2; Peter Williams and Bart Youll lost 3 and 2; Stan Hudson and Tony Morgan won by one hole; Jim Taylor and Derek Bath lost 4 and 3; Brian Morgan and Clifton John won by one hole.
After the match, Tenby Seniors enjoyed dinner with the Rosslare team and Wally. There was much banter about the rugby!
Brian Waters thanked the Rosslare hosts for their very warm welcome and hospitality, and particularly thanked Wally for all the help he had given to them over the years in arranging this fixture.
Brian presented Wally with a programme from the match at Cardiff and expressed the hope that it would not be 61 years again before they win the Grand Slam....
Rosslare pledged to visit Tenby next year to continue the fixture.
There was time for a little hospitality and the presentation of the trophy, before making their way back to the ferry and an early morning arrival home in the wee small hours of Thursday.