Fifteen of the 29 seniors who put their names down to play in this week's stableford competition failed to materialise on the tee at their allotted time. They were the ones who lifted their heads above the duvet cover, heard the wind driving the rain against the window and promptly went back to sleep.

Even our esteemed captain, Stan, declared that he had heard the wind, but drove in to the course anyway just to see how many needed certifying. Well the answer was 24 and he ended up being one of them. A large number had not paid much attention to the forecast (or Jim) which indicated that there would be clearing skies from nine-o-clock onwards. Don't you just love it when they are right and the weather clears up?

Richard Davies and Peter Hart were at the club before anyone else, but weren't convinced that the conditions would improve and stayed only long enough to wave the first group on their way - wishing them luck in their quest. Since J.C. had also declined the chance to play, Allen Watts moved up to join Brian Morgan and Des Stone.

As it turned out, the wind, while strong, abated slightly and was at its most troublesome at the far end of the course.

The result was that scores were not as high as usual and there was only one senior with a two on his card. That was Robin Hagley, who performed his magic on the 12th hole. As expected, many cards came in with numerous blank spaces, but only one member scored less than 20.

First out and first in, Allen Watts was leader in the clubhouse and he held prime spot for a long time. In fact, only one member managed to demote him into second place. Starting slowly, Allen's game drifted away at the far end of the course and he was disappointed with 11 points. He made up for it with a more consistent 20 on the back nine, as did his playing partner, Brian Morgan, whose 10 out was improved with 19 on the return journey.

Brian (Humpty Dumpty) Waters had to contend with lack of practice, as well as the weather, and so was not surprised that he did not make 25 this week. Neither did his playing partner, Tony Morgan, who ended up two below him on 22. Nigel Rimell, playing with them, was not deterred by the weather and earned a creditable 30 points. Roy Gallop also overcame the wind to score 30 points.

Despite shanking the ball twice on his approach to the 18th, Alan Yates reached 29 points, as did Stan Hudson and a disappointed Martin Neilan, who admitted it was an 'If only' day. But then we all use that expression. Des Stone did - 'If only I had played the rest of front and back nines like I played the first three or four holes in each half.' Eight points on the first three holes was negated by poor play to reach 13 after nine. It was the same on the back nine, with 12 points after five holes, including a missed birdie on 13, to end up with 14 points.

Bob Creese was out with Bart Youll and they watched Bob's drive on the eighth scuttle across the junior tee to the left, ending up lodged in the branch of one of the bushes. No, he did not attempt to hit it out, but it was another mishap in a round with eight blanks. He just slid his card in at the bottom of the deck hoping it wouldn't be noticed.

Jim Martin and Hywel Probert shared a buggy and almost shared disqualification. Neither had signed their card, perhaps because their scores were in the low 20s, or maybe because they were anxious to get to the bar! Having instigated the procedure of signing in at the pro's shop, Jim then proceeded to offer his entry fee when he came in. Morgie was quick to take his money until Jim realised his mistake!

Tony Ranoe continues to impress and was undaunted by the weather conditions. A model of consistency, he scored 17 on the way out and 17 on the way in. The third hole was the only one on which he failed to score. His card was placed on the top of the pile and remained there for the rest of the day.

None of the tail-enders were able to affect the result, Dudley managed 28 and Derek Bath 27. Ken Gouldsbrough was disappointed with his 25 'I played b****y rubbish today, and that was after a lesson with the pro!' Ah well!

Results: 1. Tony Ranoe 34 pts; 2. Allen Watts 31 (back nine); 3. Robin Hagley 31.

Owen Monaghan was not present to collect his winnings; his was the number drawn out in the Bonus Ball.

The seniors' winter programme is approaching its natural conclusion, with only two more eclectic stableford competitions and a Chapman foursomes sandwiched in between.

The summer fixtures start on March 17 with a match against Glynhir, followed by the Spring tour - March 21 - 23. Sandwiched in among the early fixtures, seniors can look forward to the Hall of Fame on April 12 and the away day to Builth Wells on May 19.