The annual Rabbits v Divots challenge took place last Sunday, with 12 pairs expected to turn out under their respective team captains, Chris Smith for the Rabbits and Gavin Field-Thomas for the Divots. As no doubt you are aware, the Divots flex their muscles every week off the white boxes, but a good deal of the Rabbits, well they just don't venture to such lengths, and as this New Year clash is a white box competition, the advantage was clearly on the Divots side. With the match having a shotgun start, a cold frosty morning saw both teams scurrying to their tees to wait for Tom Hilling to blow his hooter. The two captains enjoyed each other's company and their playing partners, Gareth Rees (Divots) and Mike Hale (Rabbits), were heard swapping stories on their sporting achievements. Gavin, however, was letting his golf do the talking and remarked after, if only Gareth had done the same, they might have won the match. For the Rabbits, the 'star of the day' award must go to one of their ex-captains, Steve (Slim Boy Fat) Price. You see, after finishing the 15th hole, Steve wandered over to the next tee still clutching the flag and, even after replacing it, he then went back to the tee and left his buggy behind... in the way of the green. What a plonker! Drive of the day must go to Divots captain Gavin. With one mighty swipe of his huge driver, he drove through the first green - it's just a pity it was off the second tee, eh Gav! i Indeed, it wasn't to be Gavin's day, for when we all tucked into our sumptuous sausage and mash, Gavin, who it must be said is doing great on his diet, had to endure some wonderful aromas... dust anybody, dust! Thanks go to Lynne and gang for another excellant meal, Tom Hilling for a blast and all players, both regular and non regular, for their support. Final result in what was eventually an 11 pairs match was 6.5 to the Divots 4.5 to the Rabbits. Well done Gavin and his team. The shield has been played for over many years and has only been won twice by the Rabbits, as confirmed by Nigel (The Count) Ayers and confirmed by Nigel and checked by Nigel. Wanted

Some buggies next year for the Divots, some course planners for the Rabbits to find the white tees and a calculator for Gavin (23 + 16 = 39, eh).