The forever-optimists were out on Tuesday to start the Seniors' Winter Eclectic season. This eager bunch arrived full of anticipation in defiance of the weather forecast which indicated heavy rain throughout the morning. Every one of the 30 players out, managed to start their round and were all secretly hoping that the timing of the forecast was out of sync, which would allow them to complete the course. It was not to be, but the last group just managed to reach the eighth before the rain became off-putting. Newman Vincent came out from under his umbrella on the ninth tee, having selected his six-iron, and decided to put on his glove to ensure that the club did not slip. Oops! It was a lovely swing. However, the ball flew forward onto the bank, while his club spiralled into the air on the left and had to be retrieved from the long grass 20 yards away. That was it! The last group out - Colin, Newman and Des - decided that they would join the long queue of senior gentlemen wearily trudging their way back to the clubhouse. Wet gear was removed and all members commiserated with each other over a hot coffee. Five players had braved it out. They had only just crossed the line when the rain started, so they carried on to the bitter end, determined to complete their card. Roy Gundry saw Dave Morgan, Rob Wilkins and Jim Taylor walk, rather ride, in and so he joined them, leaving John Hall and Martin Neilan to finish on their own. All cards were handed in and the winners came, inevitably, from those who had completed the course. Bob Howse, newly-appointed secretary to the Seniors' Section, was this week's winner with 31, closely followed by Martin Neilan with 28 and John Hall with 27. Dave Miller and Ken Gouldsbrough fell in line behind them with 25 and 24, respectively. Determined to improve their eclectic score, over 30 have signed up for next week in the hope of completing a round.
