Played just a few days before the ‘real deal’, the seniors embarked on their inaugural playing of the Farrington Park Ryder Cup, a contest between twelve Englishmen against twelve players from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The match was played in better weather conditions than forecast. Many of the Celts turned up in traditional national dress. Shirts and scarves that had not seen the light of day for many a year made a brief appearance!

With so much at stake and tensions high, the wringing of hands and nervous laughs were in abundance. The playing of nine holes of Foursomes, then nine holes of Betterball on the Duchy Course concluded with twelve singles matches on the Manor.

The first session saw the Celts lead 4–2. As the second session ended all square, the Celts took a two-point advantage lead into the singles. Friendships were momentarily on hold. Then a calamitous collapse saw the English win the first eight singles and the match was in the bag.

The Celts won only two singles matches and the trophy kindly donated by Senior Captain, David Elliott, was duly presented to England, who won by fourteen points to ten.

A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all and massive thanks go to Tracy Grist, Liz Thomas and Sue Forshaw for their support, understanding and of course, the wonderful cakes. A special thank you to Welshman, Fred Grist, who thought up the idea and who was clearly inconsolable at the end.

Ladies

How the year has flown. Outgoing Ladies’ captain, Bobby Appleby, oversaw the final few trophy competitions over the last couple of weeks. Bridget Rylance won the ‘Spirit of Mara’ trophy, presented in memory of long-standing lady member, Mara Shepherd, followed by Terri O’Shea, Carol King, Lally Gibson and Gill Russell.

The Sycamore Trophy, in memory of another long-standing member, Chris Symes, was won by Jackie Walker, Jacqui Gregory and Pauline Brixey. Tracey Watts, Maureen Charlton and Ladies’ Captain elect were second, followed by Pauline Young, Carol King, Peggy Edwards and Marjorie Robinson.

Gail Proctor and Jackie Walker won the Committee Cup, a Four Ball Better Ball competition, the final trophy in Bobby’s year. Lena Warren and Jane Waller were runners-up, with Clare Salter and Jacqui Gregory, third.

The Ladies’ AGM takes place on October 6th, when Bobby passes the Captain’s reins to Pauline Young.