Farrington's Men's section held their annual Manor Championship last Sunday, played over eighteen holes on the picturesque par three course. Those that gave up their Sunday morning lie-in to be on the tee for the 8.30 a.m. shotgun start were greeted with fine weather and good conditions which helped to provide a keenly-fought competition.
Alex Todd proved his stature to become the 2012 Champion, with a gross 53, including four birdies to set a new Club Manor Course Record with his regular sparring partners, Chris Coles 59 and Will Hobbs 60, well behind him in second and third place respectively. Jordan Spencer, an eighteen handicapper, continued his recent improvement, winning the best nett score prize and leaving the rest of the field in his wake, after shooting an incredible gross 61, nett 43, which saw his handicap come down to thirteen, John Hartley was a worthy second with a gross 69, nett 49.
Club Captain, Simon Wellington, presented the trophies and thanks were given to all that entered and to Chris Liberty and groundstaff for ensuring the success of the competition.
The Saturday Stableford provided the usual fireworks with success at both ends of the handicap spectrum, with competitors showing good returns for their endeavour, none more so than the prolific England player, Craig Adams, setting yet another club record.
Results: Saturday Stableford, 8th September – Div. 1: Craig Adams 41*, Gary Prater 39, Stuart Ponfield 38*. Div. 2: Andy Wells 39*, Pete Wenmoth 38*, Roger Farr 37*. (Craig Adams sets new unofficial Course Record of 64, including nine birdies, now cut to –3.9). Monthly Medal, 9th September – Div. 1: Andy Coles 74–69, Andy Thatcher 84–71*, Alex Todd 73–71. Div. 2: Lee Matthews 90–71, Wayne Smith 90–72, Eric Brooks 91–76. * = Handicap Reductions.
Farrington Seniors
This week's Farrington Seniors Bowmaker Competition was one of the most keenly contested for some time with only a countback separating the first three teams. The winners of the nearest the pin competitions were Eric Nott on the fifth, Graham Price on the eighth, Mike Ashwin on the fourteenth and David Elliott on the fifteenth. The winning teams in the Bowmaker Competition were: 1st Dave Taylor, Eddie Cheasely and Terry Beacham with 84 points on countback. 2nd Geoff Russell, Graham Price and Dave Elliott with 84 points. 3rd Roger Cockhill, Mike Woodward and Hugo Pike with 84 points.
Farrington Mixed Autumn Open
Sixty-four players from around the West Country competed for the Farrington Mixed Autumn Open last Sunday. Benign conditions made the course susceptible to good scoring and the ¾ handicap Four Ball Better Ball format also helped.
Good scoring early on came in from the first group of Steve Clark and Julie Kinsey (39 pts) and Martin Barnes and Jackie Clark (41 pts), all Wells players. The 41 pts was soon matched by Paul and Janet Waplington from Enmore Park, with Farrington's own Jon Coates and Jayne Brown coming in with 40 pts.
It was not until the penultimate group of Mark and Paula Chivers who scored a very impressive 46 points to win by five. "It was just one of those days where we both clicked. It was great to see the course in such fantastic condition and I would like to thank all the organisers and club staff for a great day out," said Farrington member, Mark Chivers.
Results: Overall winners, Mark and Paula Chivers, Farrington 46 pts. 1st Visitor's Team, Martin Barnes and Jackie Clark, Wells 41 pts (best back nine). 2nd Visitor's Team, Paul and Janet Waplington, Enmore Park 41 pts. 3rd Visitor's Team, Steve Clark and Julie Kinsey, Wells 39 pts. 1st Farrington Team, Jon Coates and Jayne Brown 40 pts. 2nd Farrington Team, Steve Baker and Wendy Butt 37 pts.