Seniors smile in summery sunshine

What a revelation! - Tuesday October 16, was a delightfully sunny day, albeit somewhat breezy. Thirty-two seniors turned out for the second eclectic round of the winter and the two-tee start saw eight fourball matches quickly out on to the links. Windproof jackets and thick fleeces were soon discarded as the sun took the temperatures up to 14 degrees, even in the tricky two club wind, and a great round of golf was enjoyed by everyone.

Scoring was very respectable, as can be seen from the results below:

In third place with a workmanlike 34 points was the ever-present threat of Allen Watts; he pocketed a mere £3 this week - but watch out!

Brian Waters rattled in some great putts to grab second place with a desirable 35 points; his reward was a less than auspicious £5 - but it's the glory that counts!

Leaping to the fore with a magnificent 37 points, this week's winner Tony Morris earned a staggering £10 prize. In his extended speech, Tony thanked his playing partners, his Mum and Dad - and Barbara for a great breakfast!

More money was distributed to those experts who guided the ball into the hole in a mere two strokes, namely Bob Howse on the 6th, Allen Watts on the 12th and, my favourite, Dudley Williams on the re-modelled 17th. They each won £3 to fritter away on strong drink and fast living.

On the subject of winners, let us not forget Graham Jenkins. Graham - having skilfully picked ball number 15 from Brian Morgan's raffle bag last week - won the raffle and a useful £5. Being a generous and benevolent chap, Graham immediately volunteered to sponsor next week's raffle - causing Morgy to break into a smile!

Captain Tony had a few words for the assembled seniors, sorting out the juxtaposition of buggy borne and pedestrian players - and then gave us the good news! Royston Morgan, ex- seniors captain and thoroughly all-round nice chap, has volunteered his services as secretary. I look forward to hearing Roy's erudite and succinct addresses to the seniors.

Finally, the draw for teams to compete in next week's competition was completed with flawless efficiency by Jim Martin, so now we know with whom we shall be playing on Tuesday 23rd - fingers crossed!

Finally finally! Today (Friday) marks the 55th birthday of vice-president Idwal David. Idwal will be playing with the Chicken Trotters this morning, but he has planned a small post-game celebration where he will provide copious amounts of champagne for all those who wish to attend.

Definitely see you there!

M.F.

Ken lucky, tied Chickens

Friday, October 12, dawned sunny and pleasantly warm, in fact more like a summer's day than many Fridays this year. This meteorological anomaly marked the much publicised first day of the Chicken Trotters 2012/2013 winter season, and conditions were quite delightful for the rather disappointing field of 11 players.

Early on Friday morning the Trotters' support team slipped slickly into action. Secretary Steve Cole had pre-prepared the unique Trotters' scorecards, which the ever helpful Marilyn pre-positioned in the locker room. Head Trotter Mickey Johnston started his complex bus and taxi journey from Jameston to Tenby, with the invaluable Trotter administration folder clutched firmly to his bosom. He was ready to collect the vast amounts of entrance money and sort out the Trotters' cards as they completed their 15 holes.

As usual, the 'dawn patrol' trio of John Hancock, Paul Bradley and Pat Rees were first out, just as the sun peeped over the dunes. Somewhile later, the remaining eight contestants teamed up and started their rounds, and by 12.15 the first trot of the year was completed.

At this point, I must thank Steve Cole, his inspired suggestion for the title of this week's article will become clear when you have read the results - it really is extremely good!

So, Mickey and Steve having deliberated, cogitated and calculated, the Head Chicken stood to announce the following results:

In third place with 28 points, winning a paltry 50p and having one stroke deducted from his probably generous handicap - Steve Cole.

In second place, also with 28 points, but with a better back three holes, winning a derisory 70p and suffering a savage cut of three strokes, which will be waiting for him on his return from a Mediterranean cruise - Richard Davies.

The first winner of the season was Ken Goldsbrough who leapt ahead with a glorious 29 points, for which he received a less than generous £1.20, along with a vicious stroke reduction of five -which will probably keep him out of the winners circle for the next three Fridays.

I should mention that Pat Rees also scored 28 points, but alas his first nine/second six points ratio kept him out of the money.

Finally, the booby prize went to Hywel Probert, who had a miserable morning score-wise, but who was cheered up no end when he was awarded the return of his 30p entrance fee, along with an extremely generous addition of two strokes to his Trotter handicap.

And that is that! – next Friday you too could experience the fierce competition, the display of skill and technique, the camaraderie and the exercise of descriptive vocabulary which is - 'The Chicken Trotters'!

See you there.

M.F.

Monthly Medal

There were 94 entries for the Monthly Medal last Saturday, with results being as follows:

Division One: 1. Neil Webb 81-13-68 (medal plus £43); 2. Anthony Key 84-14-70 (£31.50); 3. Andrew Cope 79-9-70 (£20.50); 4. Jerry Whitehouse 84-14-70 (£11.50); 5. Brian Cramb 73-3-70 (£7).

Division Two: 1. Leslie Crascall 86-15-71 (medal plus £43); 2. Philip Goodridge 91-17-74 (£31.50); 3. Paul Davies 93-18-75 (£20.50); 4. John Hall 95-19-76 (£11.50); 5. Denis Slyne 93-17-76 (£7).

Twos: Paul Hoyland, 2, Paul Jenkins, Richard Morton, Chris Beecher, Neil Webb, Owen Monaghan, Richard Reed, Colin Went, Mike Brew (£9.40 each).

Bag draw: Viv John, Simon Rees Davies, Owen Monaghan, Robin Hagley, Ben Childs, Ross James (£15.66 shop credit each).

Pro Shop draw: John Gottwaltz (Footjoy winter shirt worth £60).

Handicap changes: Andrew Cope 9 to 8; Paul Hoyland 5 to 6; Lewis Hurlow 10 to 9; Paul Jenkins 6 to 5; Anthony Key 14 to 12; Mathew McMann 8 to 9; Philip Mumford 14 to 15; Ian J. Thomas 11 to 10; Neil R. Thomas 8 to 9; Simon Toy 13 to 14; Neil Webb 13 to 12; Jerry Whitehouse 14 to 13.

Mid-Week Stableford

Five players entered the Mid-Week Stableford on a wild and windy Wednesday.

Scores and prize winners were: Jerry Whitehouse 28 pts (£10); Dave Morris 23 (£5); David T. Morgan 22; 4. John Ross 20; Mike Brew 13.

No twos were recorded, so the pot carries forward.

Bag draw - John Ross (£5); Pro Shop draw - Dave Morris (£5).