That well used adage 'rain stops play', and by 'eck I wish it had, certainly did not apply to 18 of our foolhardy members - should have been 25, but seven sensible guys called off - who decided, by show of hands, to take on the very difficult Tenby course in conditions so bad that even ducks were conspicuous by their absence and, apart from 'Dripping' Darrell or should it be 'Darrell the drip', the course won by a distance.

So, on Wednesday, January 12, our first meeting of the year, we assembled in the clubhouse hoping the rain would abate, but alas this was not to be, so as aforementioned, the competition went ahead. Prior to tee time, we all disappeared into the changing room to don our 'wet gear' and 'souwesters' and headed for the first tee in anticipation of a good round. Alas, this was just wishful thinking as the scores endorsed this on completion of play.

Six teams of three was the order of the day and, due to the weather, little can be said, as no feedback was received from anyone.

The teams that took to the fairways were as follows: 1. Martin 'Schnozz' Davies, John 'Bwana' James and Barry 'Chippy' Wood; 2. Darrell 'Dripping' Jones, Steve 'Araf' Jones and Richard 'Nelson' Davies; 3. Kelvin 'Curtains' Boughey and Pat 'Tiffer' King and Bobby 'Casanova' King; 4. Roger 'Commentary' Handcock, Mark 'Skids' Brindley and Stuart 'Delboy' Evans; 5. Mark 'The Angel' Wood, Steve 'Eleanor' Rigby and Roy 'Specs' Taylor; 6. Tim 'Gavel' Davies, Peter 'Big Bird' Hughes and Steve 'The Tooth' Allen.

After a very welcoming hot shower and towel down, our food was served which, needless to say, was soon devoured and thoroughly enjoyed. Once fed, everybody was ready for the presentations and keen to see who won what.

Mark thanked Tenby Golf Club and its caterers for their hospitality and good service, and then gave out the prizes as follows:

First place went to 'Dripping' Darrell with 31 very creditable points. In second place was 'Eleanor' Rigby and third was 'Nelson' Davies. Well done you three.

Nearest pin - 'Gavel' Davies; longest drive - 'Casanova' King; over 20 handicap - 'Skids' Brindley; OAP - 'Chippy' Wood; wooden spoon - 'Curtains' Boughey; team - 'Dripping' Darrell, 'Araf' Jones and 'Nelson' Davies, who was the only one to get a two on the day, and won the money.

Mark then thanked all the silly b.... who decided to play and looked forward to seeing as many as possible at the February competition.

Barry then announced the next competition would be at South Pembs GC, on Wednesday, February 9, with a 10 am start. Please get there for 9.15 am in time for breakfast!

Please ring Barry, 01834 812669, or Mark, 01834 860579 (The Angel Narberth), with your availability by February 1.

Thanks for your support and let's hope the weather next time will be much better.

See you at South Pembs. Have a good month.

CHIPPY