Tuesday, February 20, and the sun was out to welcome a group of 34 seniors to their penultimate eclectic competition. This week and next week, weather permitting, will see the completion of this season’s winter tournament so the big push was on to try to improve overall scores.

The race is on so who will make the final push for glory. Tony Ranoe heads the net competition with 60 points, closely followed by Adrian Palmer on 59. Neither of these figured in the highest scores of the day, but could still have made slight adjustments to their scores. Those below Des Stone on 56 certainly gave themselves a boost with the likelihood of an increase. Mike Whale, John Stevenson, Peter Hart, David Rees and Ross James were all prominent on the day’s results hoping to extend their scores.

Mike Whale scored a magnificent 43 points on the day’s play, closely followed by Ross James on 40 which will certainly help their order of merit totals, as well as their net eclectic. David Rees on 37 and John Stevenson on 36 also stand every chance of enhancing their totals, especially in the order of merit. Derek Cole was unable to be there so his score remains static, but Peter Hart, on 34, could well have tweaked his chances.

Jim Moffatt has produced some good rounds of golf this season and leads the gross eclectic competition. His 62 is one ahead of Allen Watts with Mick Seal and Idwal David both on 66. Jim only managed 30 points, but neither Allen nor Mick was at this week’s competition so they only have one more week to take the glory from him. On 32 and 31 respectively, Idwal and Stan Hudson look unlikely to have altered the standings.

The seniors’ latest recruit, Roger Barton, acquitted himself well this week with a total of 39 points to grab third place. Conditions were good and buggies were back in use so 25 of the 34 who played scored 30 or more points. There were only two two’s this week, both in the same three ball. Steve Decosimo had his on the 17th and Bill Davies on the 18th. This week’s lucky draw winner was Ron Murphy who was just delighted to be back on the course in a buggy with Hywel Probert.

One last chance remains to make any improvements in gross or net eclectics, as well as the order of merit competition which is the best six cards handed in over the season.

Following next week’s competition, the seniors will play a four ball better ball on March 6 and a Florida Scramble, followed by a presentation, on March 13.

Who will emerge as this year’s winners?