ON Friday October 12 the Launceston Seniors travelled to Newquay for their penultimate match of the season and Newquay's last. A superb day with constant sunshine and low wind made even better by recording a 5 to 3 away win on what is to Launceston players the unfamiliarity of a links course.

The golf course was in fine condition and boasts of birdies, pars and long putts could be heard from players of all handicaps. Surprisingly Brian Goble's effort on the wine hole in the first group some 15ft from the flag was not beaten by any of the following seven players, indeed there were many occasions when no one hit the green. Derek Ratcliffe in the last group came within 2ft which must have looked good from the tee.

Captain Robin's description, after the meal, of the opening holes of his and Brian's match against the Newquay Captain and partner was greeted with cries of "We do not want to hear about the whole round". Morley Brown stood in for Robin, not for the first time, to entertain all with a risqué story.

Results: Robin Johnson (Cpt) & Brian Goble won 4&3; Tim Johnson & Graham Nevitte lost 4&2; Brian Ben-David & Gerald Cramp (V/Cpt) won 5&4; Tony Bowden & John Mullins won 1up; Francis Griffiths & Peter Holland won 6&4; Morley Brown & Pat Johnston lost 5&4; Colin Butler & Rodney Duke won 6&4; Derek Ratcliffe & Dave Reynolds lost 2&1.

Sixty eight players entered a Stableford qualifier on the 13th, perhaps an even larger field could have been expected given Monday's weather and Tuesday's forecast. The competition was run in three divisions and par or better scores obtained in each. Seven of the nine results had to be decided on countback, but no such trouble for Glen in Division Three with a magnificent 42.

On the 8th hole Dave Reynolds found he had only changed one of his shoes, he therefore rectified this between the 10th and 11th. Perhaps not the right move as his 2nd nine hole score was significantly worse than the first.

After announcing the results the Captain reminded members of the Seniors Christmas Dinner (November 27) and also informed them it was Pat Johnston's birthday, what will Pat do next to get into the paper. Again a tribute to the greens, eleven two's were achieved, John Haywood's was on the par 4 13th the notorious gorse hole resulting in 5 points, yet another "Obscene" occurrence.

Results

Division 1 (0-14): 1st, Jim Manson 37; 2nd, Brian Ben-David 37; 3rd, Mike Gee 37.

Division II: (15-19): 1st, Rodney Duke 38; 2nd, John Butters 37; 3rd, Gerald Cramp 37.

Division III (20-28): 1st, Glen Timmins 42; 2nd, Robert Loughran 36; 3rd, Don Slee 36.

The Senior's last match of the 2009 season was at Teignmouth. There is always the worry that having travelled so far into Devon the course could be closed due to sea mist or low fog. On Friday 16th however the possible drizzle held off and an enjoyable day ensued. The team lost 5½ to 2½ which just allowed them an aggregate win for the season due to their 6 to 2 home result.

Captain Robin playing with Graham Chanter was giving him 1 shot, where as their opponents received 4 and 8. A tight match resulted in a 2 down loss which as has been the case this season led to a team loss also.

Peter Howard claimed the last NTP for 2009 matches.

Results: Robin Johnson (Cpt) & Graham Chanter Lost 2 down; Colin Butler & Peter Holland lost 6&5; Peter Howard & Don Slee lost 5&3; Tim Johnson & Derek Ratcliffe halved; Brian Ben-David & Graham Nevitte won 2&1; Gerald Cramp (V/Cpt) & Dave Harding lost 4&3; Pat Johnston & Dave Reynolds won 2&1; Morley Brown & Brian Alford lost 2&1

Overall a good 2009 season for Launceston Seniors with 24 wins, 15 losses and 5 draws. The home away picture certain shows how familiarity with the course helps, 19 of the 24 wins were at home and 14 of the 15 losses were away. Perhaps some crafty green fee trips prior to matches would slightly redress this unbalance.