Waterproofing clothing was once again the required attire for yet another wet and windy Sunday morning. Divots, however, are undeterred by such conditions, and are eternally grateful for the fact that while most golf clubs would be struggling to keep their courses playable, Tenby's links are rarely closed. How fortunate we are that the Winter League programme can continue whatever the weather!
Having started off in a gentle downpour, the rain quickly increased to become torrential, and as the conditions worsened a number of games were conceded prematurely. However, those still seeking fame and fortune with hopes of title honours battled on regardless.
The only match to go the full distance was the game between title hopefuls Chris Hughes and Matthew Evans playing against Loz Phillips and Steve Sharma, substituting for Divots captain Steve Evans. Chris and Matt needed to win to realistically keep alive their challenge, and two up with three to play, they must have thought it was in the bag. Loz and Steve, however, fought back strongly, taking the next three holes to win this hard fought match on the 18th hole.
Whether the result will be allowed to stand is debatable, for Dr. Sharma was undoubtedly assisted by an outside agency. The equipment in question, an umbrella, which must be the height of sartorial elegance in Harley Street, could offer an unfair advantage over opponents. It appears to have a parachute attached to the upper covering - for stability in high winds one presumes. The R. and A. are being consulted as to whether the said umbrella breaches rule 14-3 (artificial devices and unfair equipment).
The other pairing still in the title race, Richard Chapman and Laurence Lindsey, played against Graham Waring and Daniel Cope, substituting for Adam Joseph. Graham and young Dan, fresh from his success in Saturday's medal, played well, but could not compete with the phenomenal putting power of Laurence. Patenting a new putting technique on sodden greens, Richard and Laurence 'aqua putted' to a comfortable 5 and 4 victory and stay in contention for honours at the end of the season.
David Ayers and Ian Jarvis playing against Gavin 'The Walrus' Field-Thomas and Martin Morris, substituting for club captain Alan Morton, also played to a conclusion. Having apparently refused the offer of a half after nine holes, Gavin and Martin must have regretted their decision as David and Ian cruised to a 4 and 3 victory in this mid-table skirmish.
After 13 holes of golf, Gareth Rees and Martin Durham were one under par, while their opponents Kenny Breaker and Alan Yates claimed that at the same point they were only one over! Seemingly close on paper, Gareth and Martin were, however, four holes up, and at the 14th, having caught a distant glimpse of the clubhouse through the murk, Kenny and Alan threw in the towel to concede the match.
After starting with a victory on the first hole, things went from good to bad for David Douglas-Law and Barrie Frayne. Playing against a determined and on form Vince Shaw and Rob Hall, they found themselves two down after eight. On the ninth, David had enough of golf and decided to take up the game of billiards, striking his partner's ball some eight feet beyond the hole to gain a point for a cannon, but to lose the hole by default. Vince and Rob did little wrong, consistently chipping on from 40 yards and single putting to demoralise their opponents, who, finding themselves five down after 11, decided enough was enough and conceded the match.
Golden 'Eagle' Goldsborough and partner Nick Rogers were at it again on their favourite 10th hole, scoring a three (net eagle two), to square their match against Richard Morton and Nigel Ayers. Having witnessed this golfing phenomenon, Richard and Nigel chanced their luck and offered their opponents a half. The thought of two points, and an early shower was tempting enough for all, and all four squelched happily back to the clubhouse.
With the league leaders having a bye this week, the gap at the top of the table has been narrowed. With only two rounds to go, next week's results are crucial, and the chasing pack will be relying heavily on a Gareth Rees and Martin Durham victory to keep alive their hopes. While at the bottom, anything could happen!
Results were as follows: V. Shaw and R. Hall bt D. Douglas-Law and B. Frayne five holes; R. Chapman and L. Lindsey bt D.Cope and G. Waring 5 and 4; G. Rees and M. Durham bt K. Breaker and A.Yates four holes; D. Ayers and I. Jarvis bt M. Morris and G. Field-Thomas 4 and 3; L. Phillips and S. Sharma bt C. Hughes and M. Evans one hole; R. Morton and N. Ayers halved with N. Rogers and K. Goldsborough.
The following matches are scheduled for this Sunday: N. Rogers and K. Goldsborough v A. Joseph and G. Waring; C. Hughes and M. Evans v A. Morton and G. Field-Thomas; N. Thomas and N. Dickinson v G. Rees and M. Durham; L. Phillips and S. Evans v D. Douglas-Law and B. Frayne; R. Morton and N. Ayers v V. Shaw and R. Hall; K. Breaker and A. Yates v R. Chapman and L. Lindsey.
B. F.