It is always a pleasure to play against the seniors from Machynys, first because they are a really nice bunch of chaps and second because they are the innovators of the 'pre-match brunch'. This means that the two teams meet, each pair of Tenby seniors match up with their Machynys counterparts, and we all sit down and enjoy an all-day breakfast before starting the competition. This is a really practical arrangement because one does not have to lug a change of clothes to the game, and when the last fourball is in the clubhouse the captains can announce the scores - then the away team can start the long-ish journey home. So it was that on Thursday, April 24, 20 Tenby seniors and 20 Machynys mature gentlemen started out in 10 fourballs to decide who would be the cheerful champions and who the sad seconds. And at this point, I will veer away from the match and take the liberty of applauding some really nice people. First I commend John Charnock on his behavior, John damaged his back and had to withdraw from the match at very short notice - and then he proceeded to do exactly the right things. First he 'phoned absolutely every spare senior to try and find a substitute, and when this plan failed, he travelled to the club - in some discomfort - to apologise to his partner (me) and erstwhile opponents in person. Thank you John. Next, I am really grateful to Paul Bradley who, on learning of John's plight, telephoned Roger Schooling, who at really short notice volunteered to step up and play - and play well! Roger is a real golfer and an excellent companion. Thank you Paul, thank you Roger. I will mention the third man on the honour's list very shortly. Returning to the golf, the fourballs proceeded to finish their games and arrive back at the clubhouse. Each group was greeted with a "How did you get on?" before they had left the locker room, and both captains were ticking off the victories and defeats with great gusto. Sadly, Tenby's captain Allen had to leave before all the players were in, and his playing partner Dudley Williams stepped into the breach as acting captain. Thank you Dudley. Finally, game over, results all in and time for the Machynys captain, Bill Richards, to gleefully announce that his team had managed to win by the barest of margins, a really close Machynys 6 Tenby 4, before thanking the club for their hospitality. Dudley - noble in defeat - responded politely, cracked an acceptable joke and vowed that Tenby would seek their revenge when they travel to Machynys for the return match on Monday, May 12. And that was that, great weather, great game, this is what golf is all about!

M.F.