I suppose it was to be expected! The small group that arrived early for this week's Seniors' competition sat in the warmth of the locker room debating the pros and cons of taking a chance on the course. There was some rain in the air and the forecast was not good, so the prospect of finishing was in the balance.

Those for whom the glass was half full were already donning their wet weather gear, while the half empty brigade debated long and hard before retiring for a coffee and the chores waiting at home. Of course, the non believers didn't even bother to make the fruitless journey.

Forty-five seniors were down to participate, but it was a hardy group of 18 that eventually climbed on to the first tee knowing that the worst of the weather was likely to hit them at the furthest hole on the course - the eighth. Over those opening holes the wind was not too troublesome and the rain only in the air, so optimism was the prevalent emotion.

True to form, the wind and rain increased when all players were at the furthest end of the course and as a result the majority opted for discretion as opposed to valour, declining the temptation to play over the railway line. There were, however, a hardy band of five seniors who took advantage of a lull in the storm and completed the course.

They were rewarded with the highest scores of the day but, even so, could not achieve 30. At the other end of the scale, Clifton John and Ray Ford decided that seven holes was enough and the were joined by John Hayhoe and Martin Neilan, who reached the ninth before calling it a day.

John had the temerity to suggest that as he had only played half the course, he should only pay half the entry fee. His offer was declined! His partner, Martin, almost lost his ball. He drove off the seventh tee and landed on the fairway - the tenth fairway that is - and his ball landed just under the wheel of Peter Woodhouse's buggy as they approached the hole. Had Peter rolled over it, Martin would have had a plugged ball to play. But, as he stated, he would have had a preferred lie anyway and he would have preferred it was on the seventh fairway.

Peter Woodhouse was somewhat disillusioned by this stage since his putter had let him down. It was a case of 'Peter's Perfect Putter Proved a Placid Plaything Providing Poor Progress.' Wherever he hit the ball from, it just skimmed the hole, adding to his frustration.

Out with him was David Lamb, who was steadily building up the points to give him 15 on the front nine. He started the back nine in similar fashion and was most upset that his playing partners declined his urges to cross the line. He informed everyone in the club that Des Stone and Peter were WIMPS of the highest order. Mind, he continued to complain when he thought that there would be no payment on twos, and the competition would be played over nine holes, and that his serviette was under his food...

Another to regale his playing partners with the same term was Dudley Williams as his enthusiasm to complete the course was frustrated by Tony Morgan and John Beechey.

Of the 18 out, only three failed to beat a score of 20. Newcomer, Kevin Pullen was one of these, but even so he was ahead of Peter Woodhouse and John Hayhoe.

Brian Waters was pleased with his two on the 12th, especially since it provided his group's total score of 10 for that hole. Both Tony Ranoe and Paul Nixon earned three points each to add to Brian's four. In the two's stakes, Brian was joined by David Lamb, who also conquered the 12th for his.

The winners came from the group who completed the course. First place this week went to Peter Williams with 29 pts. He was closely followed by Paul Nixon on 27 pts, with Brian Waters taking third spot with 26 pts. Coming in with 25 pts were Tony Ranoe (18 holes), David Lamb (15 holes) and Stan Hudson (15 holes). Apologies are extended to David Lamb for not supporting him across the line.

Brian Morgan was there, as usual, extracting cash for charity in the Seniors' draw. This week's lucky winners were -John Beechey, Des Stone and Geoff Aston.

Next week sees the last of the eclectic competitions and there is a record turnout expected. Fifty-two seniors have put their names on the list to play, so the prize money will be worth playing for. See you on the course - if it is not raining!