The Seniors’ Championships were held on two days of very different conditions on a course beautifully turned-out.
Congratulations to Bill McCollum, who played outstanding golf, particularly in the windy conditions, and was crowned Seniors’ Champion and won the Cole Cup.
Gross Winners: Bill McCollum (164), Jack Baillie (166), Malcolm Terry (167), Mike Metcalfe (168). Nett Winners (over two days): Dean Hamilton (144), Brian Cowley (145), Mike Vincent (147), Nick Carter (149). Nett (Thursday only): Andrew Boatswain (71), Roger Webber (71), Steve Bocquet (72).
The Stragglers played the return fixture at Wells against Saltford. The two teams were playing for the new Swells trophy. First out were Terry Searle and Guy Timson. Having been three-up after five, things got a little tighter and the away side threw in a couple of strategic birdies, but they held on for a fine half.
Second were Richard Williams and Adam Holliday. They got off to a shaky start when one of them shanked his tee shot into the bunker in front of the 12th green. Third were John Baker and Simon Harris, who ran out comfortable winners, 5&4.
Fourth were Steve Barrow and Ben Jones. A tight game ensued with some big hitting on both sides but they finally succumbed 3&1. Fifth were Bill Levell and Stuart Gowen. They played a masterful game and gelled well together and despite strong opposition came in winners 3&1.
Last were George Barrow and new recruit, Sam Hayter, who gelled well together, but the opposition had a few lucky putts that won the day. The combined score of Wells 3½ and Saltford 8½ meant the Swells trophy was awarded to Saltford. The presentation was made, with John Baker adding salt to the trophy and we keenly anticipate getting the trophy back next year.
The Avalon team played at Weston when the air day was on, and the team were entertained by the Red Arrows and Lancaster Bombers. It must have been more of a distraction than an inspiration, with the team suffering another big away defeat, 4½-½. The result really does not reflect the matches, with all games tight and could have gone either way.
Jamie Marklew and Danny Wyrwoll lost 3&1, Nick Carter and Glen Crocker Lost 2&1, Jason Huck and Simon Jackson lost 3&2, Baden Wilkinson and Pascal Norman lost two-down, and James Church and Ian Burr halved.
The Ladies’ Alliance team took on Long Ashton at home on a warm but very windy afternoon. Wells’ Ladies recorded a great win, taking all seven matches. Sue Wells had a cliffhanger winning on the 18th. Sandy Heath and Jill Bocquet both won 2&1, and Glynis Slater, Erica Klim and Janice White all won comfortably.
Janice White