February 7 turned out to be quite an eventful day, many little interesting snippets of news to report.

Let's deal with the actual competition first. A qualifying Stableford eclectic round played in amazingly good conditions for the time of year. Some 41 Seniors initially reported for golf, but only 39 cards made it to the computer. Search parties are combing the county for Russell Clarke and Graham Jenkins, both of whom evaded paying their entrance fee and raffle contribution! The public are warned not to try to apprehend this villainous pair –- as they have a history of using clubs!

There was some high-class golf played on the sunny, breezy links. Four 2s were recorded - Derek Bath on the sixth, Martin Neilan on the sixth, David Lamb on the 12th, Jim Martin on the 17th All four received a well-earned £2 and a muted round of applause.

Details of the competition top scorers are:

In third place with 35 points and earning an amazing £4 was the consistent Brian Diment.

Also on 35 points, but with a slightly better back nine, was the genial and popular David Lamb, who pocketed an outstanding £6.

The winner, with a truly remarkable 41 points was Captain Jim - who could scarcely announce the results through the huge cheesy grin on his face. Jim was happy and yet sad - happy to win the exceedingly generous £10 prize, but slightly sad to lose two strokes from his handicap.

The last chance to win anything at all rested on the raffle. Brian gleefully announced that last week's bonus ball number was 46 -and once again nobody had drawn it - the charity pot grows fuller! Brian Waters is next Tuesday's generous raffle sponsor - let us hope that somebody wins!

Captain Jim and Brian Morgan brought a worthwhile cause to the Seniors' attention. Briefly, little Laura John is sadly handicapped and the charity raffle fund is to donate £100 to help purchase a hot tub for her. A full report next week.

Our treasurer Allen Watts reminds all those who are on the list for the Harlech trip that their £50 deposit should be paid to him as soon as possible. No - credit cards and euros are not accepted!

This week's photograph features Peter Woodhouse.

After watching Wales narrowly defeat Ireland in the first round of the Six Nations competition, Peter noted that both teams had half an orange to suck at half-time.

He decided that it would be a good idea for golfers to have a half-time break after playing the ninth. Sadly, we forgot the oranges - so a hip flask containing medicinal alcohol had to suffice!

And finally, possibly the funniest statement of the week: "I don't know who lost a ball at the back of the 17th green - but whoever it is has been a bit savage while searching for it!"

The list for next week is on the notice board and the Seniors' website'

See you there!

M.F.

Ken lucky tied Chicken

Words cannot describe the unremitting pressure that your correspondent is under each week to come up with a poultry related, humorous, fairly relevant and apt title for this article.

I hope you will agree that so far, the result has been satisfactory, and this week - with the invaluable assistance of Steve Cole the Trotter 2iC - is a fine example of the art.

Do I need to explain? - Competing in the Friday, February 3, Chicken Trot, the club treasurer, Ken Goldsbrough, luckily tied for top score with Meurig Jones - classic!

Back to the nitty-gritty. On a very cold morning, when the fairways and greens had the consistency of concrete, 10 Chickens trotted. The field was without the usual early birds, but we welcomed a virgin trotter in the form of the well-known senior, Alan Yates.

The golf was 'different' because of the distance the ball was running and the high speed of the putts. Add to this the restriction to movement caused by bulky cold weather clothing, coupled with the lack of feeling in the fingertips, and one can see why the scoring was lower than usual.

When all the Chickens were back in the warmth and comfort of the clubhouse, Chief Chicken Mickey Johnston announced the following results;

To reiterate, both Ken and Meurig scored 23 points, however Ken had the better last six holes - thus snatching victory from Meurig. This victory earned him the meagre sum of 80p together with the mandatory five-stroke Trotter handicap reduction.

Meurig earned a derisory 70p for second place, made even less savoury by the cruel removal of three strokes from his handicap.

That is the sum total of results and prizes - there were no twos and since two Trotters (who shall be nameless) tied for last place, no booby prize either.

The Chief Chicken did relent just a smidgeon after a glass of scotch, deciding to give Neil Dickinson and Owen Monaghan an additional two strokes so that they would avoid the booby spot next week - Oooops!, that just slipped out!

My seaweed tells me that it will be warmer on the links today!

See you there!

M.F.

Fast Rabbits!

After last week's moan, it seems we have banished slow play from the Rabbits Winter League, but was that down to the glorious conditions on Sunday - not a breath of wind out there - or was it because the rugby was on television in the afternoon?

Congratulations must go to Wales for a fabulous match against the Irish.

Captain Tim and Mackie emulated the Welsh side by leaving it very late to see-off Bill and Steve, winning by one hole on the 18th. This still leaves them on top of the table as he 'smugly' announced in the clubhouse afterwards.

Close behind are the formidable twosome of Tony Morris and Richard Prout after a convincing win over Pete and Mike by 6 and 4 (no pout this week Tony).

Phil and Bob continued their good form with a fine win over second favourites Steve and Robin by 5 and 4.

The first group out saw Mick and Paul against Mark and Chris and with Chris regaining his form off the tee, it was nip and tuck, but with Mark unfortunately lipping out on some crucial putts, the former pair won by 3 and 2.

As Merv the pesident once said, 'If it lips out, it means the hole is perfectly cut', not that that was any consolation to Mark.

Oh, and as the reporter's prerogative, congratulations must go to the new-look England side for a tremendous win over the Scots. I had to get that in hee hee!

Your Scribe

Results: Paul Davies and Mick Gillett bt Mark Edwards and Chris Smith 3 and 2; Phil Carpenter and Bob Flower bt Steve Watkins and Robin Bradbury 5 and 4; Tony Morris and Richard Prout bt Peter Turton and Mike Munro 6 and 4; Tim Davies and Mackie Harts bt Bill Davies and Steve Cole 1 up.