And it was a happy St. David's Day for all 38 seniors who turned out to enjoy some bright sunshine. Indeed some were even sporting the 'cenhinen pedr', that happy bright yellow flower hailed as the emblem of Wales.

The smiles and lively banter indicated that all had enjoyed a day of sunshine out on the links, even if the greens were slick and quick. The dry weather, plus the work by the greenstaff to tine, roll and cut them, forced all players to adjust the pace of their putts. Even so, a number slid past the hole and in some cases ran off the green. The second and the ninth were particularly difficult if you were putting down the slope.

One who suffered was Bob Howse. He complained that he couldn't putt to save his life, missing too many from around three feet. He was Derek Bath's partner and between them, in this Chapman Foursomes format, they managed 36 points. On the other hand, Owen Monaghan was having a field day. On two holes he putted in from off the green, helping his partner, Paul Nixon, to a creditable 38.

Sharing that score was the pairing who won the last Chapman Foursomes, Graham Jenkins and Bob Wiseman. Jenks reckoned that his game was not up to scratch this week and that Bob was the steadier of the two. Brian Diment and his partner also managed 38, but fell behind the other two pairs because of a mediocre back nine. Sixes on the 10th, 11th and 18th spoiled what could have been a reasonable card. While they both hit indifferent shots, Brian's drive on the 15th was in a bush, on the 16th was in the bunker and on the 17th into some more brush!

Another pair to suffer a bout of the 'if onlys' was that of Rimell and Ranoe. They were frustrated at not scoring on the first hole and went on to achieve three more blobs on the front nine. Thirteen was not a good start. They were smiling all the way home, however, as they amassed a back nine score of 26 points, giving a total of 39. If only!

Showing them the way was the Davies/Murphy combo. Twenty-two points on the front nine was matched with a return score of 21, giving them a clear lead in the clubhouse.

Jim and John (Moffat and Cook) failed to match up to expectations. Jim found himself in some rather unusual places to play his second ball as John didn't play his usual 'down the middle' strategy. He obviously missed the two shots he is now used to on a few holes! Thirty-five was their final score.

Allen Watts also found himself in a few unusual spots to play his second ball. Those spots were determined by his partner Jim Martin who can himself hit a few tidy balls. On two occasions, Allen used his driver off the fairway. On the fifth he 'creamed' one from the top of the ridge to interrupt the putting of the group in front. Again on the 16th he armed himself with his driver to hit his second shot beyond the green. Jim couldn't control the run down the green, so they ended up with a five.

As one member of their opposite playing partners stated, 'They were the jammiest pair on the course, everything they did turned out well. They always found their ball, they always recovered and the putts went in.' Allen made some long putts which gave them an edge to turn in a good score.

With so many Morgans in the club, there were bound to be two out together. This week it was Brian and Tony, the treasurer. They didn't fulfil their expectations as they only managed 15 out and 18 back.

Another Morgan, Royston, found himself in the company of Peter Williams and, according to them, they hit too many fives (even one seven) to mount any real challenge. Even so a mid-table 36 was their achievement. Peter was heard to remark that he was not going to play with Titleist balls any more, When asked if he liked them, he stated that he did, but that he kept losing the ******* things!

Despite being the strong men for the round, John Hall and Ray Ford were in the reckoning for shot of the day. John was left scratching his head when he walked up to hit their second ball on the eighth. Ray had skewed it left over the junior tee and John found it lodged in the branches of one of the bushes. Needless to say they used the other ball which was on the fairway.

Shot of the day is awarded to Mel Neale. His second shot, left by his partner, Peter Hart, was in the bunker on the eighth. With a mighty thump he cleared the rim of the bunker and landed his ball two inches from the pin, an easy putt for Pete. They finished with 37 points.

There were some good scores in and only two pairs to finish. They were Ken Gouldsbrough paired with Paul Bradley and Geoff Aston paired with Alan Yates. Both these pairs were capable of upsetting the table. Everyone waited with bated breath - could they do it? Well, yes and no! Ken and Paul had a frustrating round, ending up with a mid-table 36. Geoff and Alan, on the other hand, quietly went about their business, after failing to score on the second, to achieve a score of 41 points. Was it enough? Not quite.

Results: 1. Jim Martin/Allen Watts (44 pts); 2. Richard Davies/Ron Murphy (43); 3. Geoff Aston/Alan Yates (41).

Everyone was delighted to see Clifton John back in the clubhouse, even if he is not yet ready to join them on the course. In the absence of the captain, Stan Hudson, his second in command, Jim Martin stepped up and did the honours, even telling a story.

The winner of last week's bonus ball was Bart Youll, with £40 raised for charity.

Next week sees the last eclectic competition of the winter season. Let us hope it doesn't rain. The following week there will be a hidden holes competition over 15 holes, followed by a meal and presentation. Have fun!

Sun shines on final 'Frostbite'

The last of the winter mixed 'Frostbites' was played on Sunday and as luck would have it, it didn't live up to its name. The weather was a little warmer and, despite a strong breeze, it was a very enjoyable day in the sunshine.

It was also pleasing to welcome a number of 'new' players to bolster the regulars. Therefore, a field of 24 competitors took to the course and, despite the windy conditions, there were a number of good scores.

In third place with 28 points were Heather K. Morgan and first timer Martin Pook (£5 each). In second place with a score of 30 points were Gill John and Matt Goldwait (£8 each). The winners were Bev Owen and Richard Reed (£11 each), also with 30 points, but a better back nine.

A special mention has to go to Matt and Gill and Martin and Heather who both had gross eagles at the 11th hole. Masses of points, but it didn't help them beat the 'steady eddies' of Bev and Richard !

Surprisingly, there were no 'twos' recorded on the day and, therefore, to complete proceedings, four card draws were made.

These were won by Mervyn Tucker and Dinah Reed, Nigel Rimell and Irene Gilman, Vicky Pook and John Gilman and completing a profitable day, Bev Owen and Richard Reed (£3 each).

Thanks go to the Pro Shop for taking entry fees and handing out the cards. Also to Steve and his staff for the catering arrangements.

The next mixed competition is the charity event on Saturday, March 12 (in aid of Wales Air Ambulance). Please support this very worthwhile charity.

J.V.G.