What a great day it turned out for the Seniors' Captain versus Vice-Captain's match. First of all, the much-promised fine weather turned up, despite a heavy shower to greet the first two games on the course; then during the afternoon, Geoffrey Aston produced the shot of the day with a hole-in-one on the 12th and the match ended in a very fine honourable half.
First off the tee was Seniors captain Roy Morgan, accompanied by last year's captain Des Stone. Opposing them was vice-captain Brian Waters along with Owen Monaghan. Now with Liverpool going out to Chelsea the night before in Champions Cup semi-final, Brian was worried that Owen would be so down that his game would be off. As it transpired, he did not have to worry as Owen was like a man determined to lay the ghost of the previous night's events and played a star game. According to Des, they have discovered two new bandits, with Owen coming in with pars and, when he failed, he was admirably backed up by Brian; adding to this, Des had putting woes. Des went on to say that they must have been going to woodwork classes for the way they dovetailed so well. The second match out saw what looked on paper a banker for the captain, with that very fine player John Hancock paired with the in-form Ken Gouldsbrough. Opposing them were Jim Martin, fresh back from his holiday in Jamaica, and partner Doug Havard. Added to this mix was the fact that in over 25 years, whenever Jim had played against John, he had never beaten him in any format. Despite John giving a goodly number of shots, he started in his usual accurate style, ripping a great drive off the first. However, in the initial stages, it was partner Ken who was doing all the damage, with Jim and Doug holding on for dear life. Despite this, though, they were two down after six, where John made a fine birdie two. Out at the far end of the course, Jim and Doug pulled this back when on the eighth Jim made 4 net 3 and Doug followed this up on the following hole with the same score. With their tails up, despite John having another birdie on the 13th, Jim and Doug went on to record a memorable win when they shook hands on the 17th. It was a fine match where the losers' better ball score was only two over net! John went on to say the reason he does not play for the seniors any more is Jim Martin; can't answer that one! Representing the captain in the third match were Dave Morgan and Hywel Probert against Brian Morgan and Roy Gundry. According to Dave Morgan, Roy Gundry was outstanding. It certainly seemed that Roy had thoroughly enjoyed himself, with a grin stretching from ear to ear. Shaggy could be forgiven for this when he rolled back his 78 years to play sublimely. After 11 holes, Brian and Roy went five up. Despite Dave and Hywel struggling to pull them back, they were on a losing battle, with Roy, backed up so well by Brian, in fine form. It was almost over when they went dormie four coming off 14 and the game ended on the next green. One thing that they were all amused by was the antics of Jim Martin on the greens in front of them; seemed like he was praying for something. Well, to quote a pun, perhaps he got his wish as from above!
After enjoying a fine win in his first game for the seniors a couple of weeks ago, new boy Nigel Rimell was brought back down to earth last week; this week he was partnered with Derek (Bubbles) Bath, who is learning to cope with life after 23! They had the misfortune to run into Stan Hudson, ably supported by John Hall, with the former continuing in his rich vein of form. According to Nigel, Bubbles played well, but he had poor game and did not support Derek enough. He went on to say how well Stan and John played and thoroughly deserved their win. Don't get too perturbed by this Nigel, as we have all been there before. Now match number five looked a real gem and so it turned to be. Representing the captain, who was now four down in the match, was that fine left- hander Richard Davies and Newman Vincent, who is also playing well. Against them were the in-form Geoff Aston and Tony Ranoe, fresh back from his Hawaiian holiday. For the first eight holes, Richard Davies was too good for Geoff and Tony, who could not hold them, and then to tighten their stranglehold, Newman came into his own. Gradually, though, Geoff and Tony got back into the match and then on the 12th hole Geoff became the star of the day when, with an eight-iron, he had an ace. With Geoff bubbling, the match continued on to the 17th, where Richard and Newman's ascendancy finally overcame Geoff and Tony. Nothing though was going to take away Geoffrey's joy of the 12th and he celebrated back in the clubhouse by supplying the traditional drink to the members. Well done, Geoff, and many congratulations. Martin Neilan was most unfortunate in match six as he had to represent the vice-captain on his own, due to his partner, Malcolm Arlott, not being able to play. As he said later dolefully back in the clubhouse, "They beat me!" Namely the Williams boys, Peter and JDR. Martin went to say that he could not putt for toffee.
According to JDR, they too had putting problems, but not both at the same time and, despite trying to give the game to Martin, Peter and John went on to record the captain's second win of the afternoon. John Cook and David Evans were playing for the captain in the penultimate game and with Bob Howse and Clifton John playing for Brian Waters, Brian was looking to seal his win over the captain. Unfortunately, as Bob said, it was not to be their day and no matter what they did, they were always going to lose. Bob realised the writing was on wall when on the third, the first decent drive he hit, struck the 150-yard marker and in stunned disbelief, he watched it come back towards him!
Bob gave generous praise to his opponents, saying how well they played. In the end, John and David ran out comfortable winners on the 13th hole. With the match standing at 4-3 in Brian's favour, the result of it was down to last game, with Colin Griffith and Rod Clarke for the captain against Jim Taylor and Bart Youll for the vice-captain. Bart had problems identifying his golf ball; twice on different holes, he played the wrong ball. Perhaps you ought to go and see Specsavers Bart!
Jim said they had a chance to take it down the 18th, but failed to capitalise on their opponents' generosity. I tried to get a comment out of Colin, who I had not seen smile so much after a match for sometime, but he was content to let his golf do the talking. With Jim and Bart failing to take their chances on the 17th, a fourth win went to the captain's side and the match finished in an honourable half. After the meal, Roy Morgan looked a happy but relieved man, but at the end of the day, everyone agreed the result was perfect, a very fitting end for a match played in such fine spirit. It transpired that during their match with Brian and Owen, partner Des Stone left his wedge on the practice putting green and Roy said he had left his form in the car park. To great applause, Roy offered warm congratulations to Geoff for his hole-in-one and his thanks for the liquid gold that Geoff supplied. Roy went on to say that the charity organised by Brian Morgan and Newman Vincent was proceeding very well.
The draw was then done for the day and winners were: 1. Clare Webb; 2. the new steward, Gary and 3. Mary Rowell.
Roy thanked the goodly number of ladies present for supporting the raffle and Brian Morgan announced that they had raised £48 for the day. Vice-captain, Brian Waters, suitably responded and went on to recount some amusing anecdotes. Results: (captain' s team first) Roy Morgan/Des Stone lost to Brian Waters/Owen Monaghan 3 and 2; John Hancock/Ken Gouldsbrough lost to Jim Martin/Doug Havard 2 and 1; Dave Morgan/Hywel Probert lost to Brian Morgan/Roy Gundry 4 and 3; Derek Bath/Nigel Rimell lost to Stan Hudson/John Hall 4 and 3; Richard Davies/Newman Vincent beat Geoff Aston/Tony Ranoe 2 and 1; Peter Williams/ JDR Williams beat Martin Neilan 5 and 4; John Cook/David Evans beat Bob Howse/Clifton John 6 and 5; Colin Griffith/Rod Clarke beat Jim Taylor/ Bart Youll 2 and 1. Match result: Captain 4 Vice-Captain 4. J.D.M.
Ladies' Section
March winds this year overflowed into April and joined the April showers, but gradually spring seems to be arriving. At the beginning of the month, the LGU Challenge Bowls qualifying rounds were played and the weather was fairly kind. In the Silver Division, Heather Morgan on nett 73 became the qualifier by the better last nine from Toni Lucas. In the Bronze division, Anne Wilks on 76 just qualified ahead of Ann Marsden, but probably Ann Marsden will represent Tenby in the area finals, as Anne Wilks also qualified for this meeting as the 2007 winner of the LGU Bronze Medal for Tenby. Qualifying competitions continued on the next Thursday with the Australian Spoons in which Rebecca Naden and Barbara Williams qualified ahead of Nesta Hart and Mary Lewis. Some of the windiest weather of the year occurred for the April LGU Medal - we will draw a veil or even a shroud over the scores, but the Silver Division Medal was by Heather Morgan from Rhian Walters and Liz Storey in the Bronze Division won from Maura Rimell, a new member. A gross competition played in conjunction with the medal, for the Peggy Cobb Trophy, was won by Heather from Denise Edwards. The last competition of the month was the first Hill-Lowe Bogey of the year in which Ann Marsden on +3 reduced her handicap, while Heather Morgan and Holly Watkins were both on +2. The Coronation Foursomes, yet another external qualifying competition always played in April or May, was played on May 1 and the qualifiers were Heather Morgan and Anne Morris from Gillian Roberts and Mary Williams, and Heather and Anne will represent Tenby in the area final at Dewstow in July. Away from Thursday competitions, other events have been taking place. Anne Morris and Mary Lewis played a Haverfordwest pair in the second round of the Daily Mail Foursomes at Tenby and after quite a struggle were successful at the 19th. Fingers are crossed for the third round. Tenby's campaign in the Three Counties League this year began in the rain at Ashburnham and much against our dismal results there in recent years the team achieved a halved match. The next matches, in May, are against South Pembs. at home and Trefloyne away. Finally, the Ladies' captain, Nesta Hart, took 23 of the ladies to the Vale of Glamorgan for the annual few days away. I gather a good time was had by all - they thoroughly enjoyed the golf, the food and the shopping which some inevitably managed. No doubt we will hear of all the misdemeanours when Mary Rowell reveals her annual poem which is often a revelation of what really happened.
B.M.S.
Curtain falls on Chicken season
The curtain finally fell on the Chicken Trotting season at Tenby Golf Club on Friday. As is tradition for the last gathering of the brood, two trophies were up for grabs, the coveted Danny Carew Putter and the Norman Badham Cup (for over 70s). Nineteen players in all turned out to do battle on the glorious links on what was a very pleasant morning - something of a surprise in recent months when weather conditions have been anything but pleasant. But there was no surprise about the outcome of the competition, for as mentioned last week, Dave Henry has been a top Trotter for sometime now. And he was at it again on Friday, claiming top perch and the 'Putter' for the second year in succession, his 31 points being four better than his nearest rival Rick Lewis on 27, with John Hancock in third place a further point adrift on 26. Jim Taylor would also have sneaked into the frame, but as one of the more senior Chicken members, he qualified for the Norman Badham Cup and his 28 points duly saw him pick up the silverware. Second place in that went to Ken Gouldsbrough on 24 points, but only after a back six countback, his 11 points over those six holes being one better than Richard Morgan's 10, which meant that the latter had to settle for third spot. Nevertheless, Richard, like the other prize winners, was more than pleased when he collected a bottle of wine and a brace of new golf balls. The presentations were made following a sumptuous meal which was held after the competition (and thanks here must go to the new stewards for the second helpings!). Among the VIPs on the top table, meanwhile, were club captain Bryn Rowell, Chief Chicken Morran Boot, Chicken treasurer Micky Johnston, Chicken statistician Arnold Kaney and the club secretary's assistant, Marilyn Marquiss, who presented the prizes. Chief Chicken Morran reflected on the past year and producted some fascinating facts and figures relating to the Trotters and some of its members; and hoped that more would turn out when the new season resumed in October. He said the situation would be reviewed at Christmas. So if you want to keep Trotting, make sure you are there early on a Friday morning. Go on, you know it makes sense.
Busy Bank Holiday
There were two competitions at the club over the Bank Holiday weekend. On Sunday, members and guests played for the Serendipity Bowl in a stableford event. Eventual winners with the excellent score of 44 pts were Gavin Field Thomas and Kenny Breaker, who won themselves £30, while two points adrift in second place were Chris Hughes and Rob Brown, who picked up £20. Third were Rob Jones and Rhys Williams on 40 points, who collected a £10 prize for their efforts. Gavin and Kenny were also in the money as they bagged the only birdie two of the day to earn £26, while Rob Jones and Rhys Williams also topped up their prize funds with a further £24 from the bag draw. The ladies' trophy, meanwhile, was won by Heather K. Morgan and P. Perkins, who returned a score of 36 points. On Bank Holiday Monday there was a medal competition for the NatWest Cup. Walking away with the silverware was Michael Schooling, who was the only player to break 70, his excellent gross 78 net 69, winning him the cup and £30 credit in the pro shop, not to mention a two- shot cut in his handicap. Other prize winners were: Richard Morton 75-3-72 (£20); Steven Lewis 88-15-73 (£15); Barrie Frayne 89-14-75, last nine (£10). Five players bagged twos, namely John Ball, Derek Bath, Peter Ellis, Ron Johns and Steven Lewis. They were worth £8.40 each, while picking up £12.66 each from the bag draw were P. Davies, R. Reed and M. Neilan. A total of 41 players took part in the competition.