In last weeks report it was stated that Ian Vincent/Terry Pavey had halved their Seniors match against Long Ashton whereas they had a commanding win! Mendip were still narrowly beaten however.

Star performance this week came from 15-year-old Ellen Reakes. Ellen, making her debut at this level, has been playing for Somerset in the South West Counties week. In the final round of matches Somerset played Dorset and Ellen was in the final and deciding singles match. By the 17th the match was all square and the tension was made all the worse by a long hold up while officials frantically cleared excess water off the green following a thunderstorm. When the action restarted, Ellen’s tee shot missed the green finishing in the wet rough. But to the delight of her watching teammates, Ellen chipped in for her birdie which her opponent could not match.

This effectively sealed the match as after a battle down the 18th, Ellen managed the halve needed. This win by Somerset meant that they go through to the National Finals as South West Winners, for the first time since 1954 thus ending a 67 year wait. Well done Ellen, the youngest member of the team, Mendip is proud of you.

The Mens Club Championships saw an entry of one hundred competing over the two day event, the field containing nineteen players with handicaps of five or less. A very close run affair saw victory for Tom Small a Member of the Greens team, playing of scratch who carded an eight over Par score of 148.

In second place after count back came Liam Copp, also off scratch, with 150 with Wayne Srawley off one in third place, Neil Onslow was fourth with 152 and Tom Hurst was fifth with 155.

The course was set up superbly and the competitors, whilst finding scoring difficult, were full of praise for its condition and degree of difficulty.

The Frost Cup, the Net competition, was won by Sam Rookes with 139, Ben Slater was second with 140 and Kevin Keene was third with 145.

Nearest the Pin was won by Tony Taylor with A Wells second.

The Ladies Alliance B Team gained a fine 12-2 win over Orchardleigh with wins for Jenny Merrett, playing her first match of the season, Elaine P Richardson, Anne Hopkins, Lou Lou Carolan, Anita Butcher and Chris Down.

The Ladies Friendly Team visited Burnham and Berrow and not surprisingly went down 1½-3½. Edwina Willis/Gina Howard gained a fine win with Lou Lou Carolan/Mary Ainsworth gaining a half.

The Avalon Seniors Team visited Enmore with the match played in dreary conditions which deteriorated as the day went on. They were pleased to gain a 2½-2½ draw in the circumstances. Wins came from Simon Brand/Andy Frampton and Adrian Brooking-Clark/John Stembridge, with the deciding half gained by Team Captain Kevin Carmody playing with Martin Myers,

The Seniors Friendly Team entertained Tidworth and ran out 6-1winners. Victories came from Paul Ashman/Rob Richardson, Terry Carter/Steve Davis, Alan Edwards/John Shakesby, John Ellis/Nick Inskip, Brian Say/Richard Ballion and Colin Davies/Alan Snow.

Tony Williams