A popular fixture in the seniors' calendar is the match against the ladies and this year was no exception. Over the last three years it has not so much been a match as a mixed competition such as best three scores on each hole or a Texas Scramble.

Following this year's event, the ladies' captain, Heather Morgan, threw down the gauntlet in front of the seniors' captain, Brian Morgan (where do all these Morgans come from?), challenging him to a real match to be played before the end of the summer. It seems that playing alongside their golfing colleagues does not inspire the competitive spirit in the ladies and they want a bit more edge to the meeting.

The challenge was eagerly accepted and Brian returned home to start planning his strategy and his team. He did, however, have time to reflect on the competition just played along with an amusing little story to keep everyone entertained.

At the start of the day, not one of the assembled teams thought that they would be playing golf, such was the ferocity of the downpours. Jim Martin was confident, however, that the sun would come out and smile upon the gathering of golfers. He has access to the Met Office and they had promised him a good afternoon. And so it was - the sun shone and even brought a smile to some of the faces, despite the cooling breeze. Well done Jim!

The gathering numbered 32, 18 of them seniors and 14 ladies. Grouped into eight teams of four, they proceeded to demoralise the course in a Texas Scramble, although some did have a rough time. Sympathy must go out to Liz Storey who had to support and organise a difficult trio of David Evans, John Cook and Chris Sierwald. Not only did she organise them, she licked them into shape - enough to take them into third place in the honours list.

Another who had to organise a difficult trio was Sandra Parker. Having been rattled around in the buggy by Owen Monaghan, she found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the task in hand. John Charnock and Malcolm were a bit wayward and obviously didn't do as they were told. No prizes for this team then.

Now there were four married couples taking part, three of which played in the same teams as their spouses. Was it marital harmony or marital discord and more important who took charge of the team? A recipe for disaster, or was it? There must have been some co-operation since the Proberts, Hywel and Avril, linked with the Morgans, Dave and Helen, agreed long enough to claim second prize.

Given a special mention in despatches was the other married couple in the same team, Tony and Babs Morris. It was great to see Tony play the full course after his operation and it was understandable that he had to have his carer with him, just to make sure that he didn't overdo it! They were aided and abetted by Roy Gundry and Judy Lewis, who helped them score birdies on the last two holes.

The only married couple not to be paired together was that of John and Jean Charnock. I wonder why? Jean had the unfortunate task of trying to keep Clifton John and Des Stone on the straight and narrow (fairway that is!). Anyone who has seen either of these two play will know that is an almost impossible task. She did have the support of Veronica Martin and between the two of them they kept the wayward boys on track - occasionally. Veronica won the sixth all on her own and Jean held the team together in the middle of the round.

As a result they were the recipients of the little golfing trophy and a bottle of wine each. Jean won the bragging rights and was able to sport it in front of John all the way home while singing, 'We are the champions -'.

It will be noted that the captains, helped by Kevin Pullen and Ann Marsden, were unable to make a mark on the leading groups despite scoring an eagle three on the 14th.

The two other teams joining them were Anita Davies, Mel Smith, Tony Ranoe and Jim Taylor alongside Anne Wilks, Barbara Williams, Ken Gouldsbrough and Bob Creese.

A good time was had by all.