After postponing the previous week's games due to adverse conditions, it was another wet and windy morning that greeted the Divots again last Sunday. This time, however, there was no hiding place. With all the reserve weeks used up, there was no option but to go out and brave the elements.
Last off, but first back to the clubhouse, after agreeing to halve their match, were Gareth Rees and Martin Durham playing against David Douglas-Law and Barrie Frayne. After playing nine holes the match was all square, and when David made a profound statement claiming 'the rain was wetter this week than last' all knew it was time to call it a day.
The shared points lift Gareth and Martin from the coveted wooden spoon position at the foot of the table.
As this group trudged back to a safe haven, they passed others who quickly followed their example. Alan Morton and Gavin 'the Walrus' Field-Thomas teeing off on the 14th, with Vince Shaw and Rob Hall, also quickly downed tools. Gavin had got off to a fine start with an enormous drive on the first hole. Alas, in conditions in which a 'Walrus' should have revelled, this was his only moment of glory. The match seasawed, with one team winning the odd numbered holes while the other won the evens, as though by arrangement until it was agreed a half was a fair result.
Wearing spectacles is a distinct disadvantage in such abysmal conditions, but Vince had come to the links well prepared. His latest fashion accessory, a plastic device which screens his glasses from the worst of the weather, and ensures clear all round vision will surely catch on. Already the club shop has been inundated by requests for supplies from tank commanders on manoeuvres at the Castlemartin ranges!
Undaunted by the weather, Nicklas Thomas and Neil Dickinson sailed to another victory, this time over Richard Morton and Nigel Ayers. Coping with the weather marginally better than their opponents, Nicklas and Neil were four up playing the 11th hole, when Richard and Nigel threw in the towel. Conditions had deteriorated to the point that young Richard, who is tall and slim, but of slight build, was being blown all over the golf course, like a leaf in a November gale.
Standing up was a problem for Richard, before even attempting to keep his balance during a golf swing.
Putting in from off the green, on the first and second holes for two birdies, Adam Joseph and Graham Waring had a dream start to their match. Playing against Kenny Breaker and Alan Yates, they eventually managed to escape the elements and beat a hasty return to the clubhouse from the 14th, by securing a 5 and 4 victory. Adam and Graham's win keeps them in a challenging position, fourth in the table.
Nick Rogers and Ken Goldsborough also earned the right to the long triumphal walk back to the clubhouse from the 14th green, when they won 5 and 4 against David Ayers and Ian Jarvis. This was Ken's first match since returning from his tour 'down under', and was a credit to his uncanny powers of acclimatisation.
Being able to adapt so quickly from the tranquillity of an Australian summer to the ravages of a Pembrokeshire winter gale is no meant feat.
With everyone else back in shelter, there was a long wait for the remaining group to return to the clubhouse. The match of the day saw joint leaders Chris Hughes and Matthew Evans playing against title challengers Richard Chapman and Lawrence Lindsay. Like drowned rats they entered the bar, first a dejected but defiant Matthew Evans, confirming the rumour that this previously undefeated pairing had indeed been vanquished.
He was followed by an elated Richard and Lawrence whose celebrations didn't quite go to drinks all round. Of Chris there was no sign, obviously seeking solace elsewhere!
The match itself had been a humdinger. Chris and Matt had been three down after 11 holes, then fought back strongly. Playing into a gale and lashing rain at the 17th, Matthew drove to within a few feet of the pin, for Chris to sink a birdie putt to square the game. The fightback, however, was all in vain for on the 18th, with everything to play for, it was the turn of Richard and Lawrence, sinking a 15 foot putt to take the honours and all three points.
This match so hard fought, and played in such atrocious conditions epitomises the spirit of the winter league.
Up until last week's games, the title chase had been a two horse race, but the results have thrown the competition wide open. Nicklas and Neil's victory takes them three points clear at the top of the table at this, the halfway stage in the competition.
However, they have played an extra game over their nearest rivals. With only four points separating the top four teams an exciting second half to the season is surely in prospect before the silverware finally finds a worthy home.
Results were as follows: A. Joseph and G. Waring bt K. Breaker and A. Yates 5 and 4; N. Rogers and K. Goldsorough bt D. Ayers and I. Jarvis 5 and 4; R. Chapman and L. Lindsey bt C. Hughes and M. Evans one hole; N. Thomas and N. Dickinson bt R. Morton and N. Ayers four holes; N. Shaw and R. Hall halved with A. Morton and G. Field-Thomas; G. Rees and M. Durham halved with D. Douglas-Law and B. Frayne.