Rainbow Tuesday

While the Chicken Trotters seem to have had some sunny Fridays this Autumn, the Seniors (many of them Trotters) have had to face some rather inclement weather conditions. A couple of competitions have even been called off.

This last Tuesday was no exception, but everyone who competed was treated to a spectacular display of rainbows. The best of these was the complete arc from The Esplanade to Penally viewed from the far end of the course.

Wonderfully attractive and picturesque as they are, they mean only one thing - there is rain in the air. That rain was ever present at the start of this week’s Ambrose Scramble and with it was a cold and biting wind. However, when the heaviest of the clouds passed over, the welcome sunshine enabled a few to remove their wet weather tops and enjoy some freedom of movement. For one member, striding out in short sleeves, the temperature was no more than a passing phase.

Despite the forecast showers, a total of 36 seniors took the chance and managed to complete the course. Correction! One group decided on the 14th that they had had enough and retired gracefully to the warmth of the clubhouse. Chris Beecher and Mike Whale agreed with Alan Jones and Alan Yates that going across the line would not enhance their cause, so they opted for a warm cup of tea.

That left Bob Howse, Robin Hagley, Ron Murphy and Chris Siewald as the final group and one of these was heard to bemoan the fact that their round had lasted well over five hours. Consolation for Chris Sierwald, however, was that he was the recipient of this week’s raffle prize.

Steve Decosimo was crestfallen. He proudly started with a new waterproof hat that his wife had bought him. It kept off the rain, at least for the first hole. As he wore it over his woolly hat he was unaware, until the third green, that it had fallen off. What was his wife going to say? He had this to worry about all the way round until he was told that our capable captain, Idwal, had retrieved it for him. When Steve asked Idwal for his hat, he was told that it was in his car - Idwal’s that is.

With all handicaps curtailed in this pairs version of a Texas Scramble scores were rationalised and the field ranged from 24 to 41 points. Jim Moffatt and Newman Vincent thought they may have stood a chance of some recognition, but their 38 points was pushed outside the prize money by a better back nine scored by Idwal David and Bart Youll.

One point behind them were three pairs separated by back nine performance. They were Richard Davies/Brian Morgan, Nic Rogers/David Rees and Keith Hubbard/Derek Cole all on 37.

Taking second place ahead of Idwal and Bart were Steve Decosimo and Des Stone on 39 points.

Two ahead of them, on 41 points were this week’s triumphant winners, Stan Hudson and John Stevenson.

The rainbow was resplendent when the competition started and was in full display when it finished.