THE Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club Seniors’ Porlock Cup match-play competition has been taking precedence in recent weeks, meaning competitions have taken a backseat with the midweek Bowmaker marking the first for several days.

In good conditions, the much-fancied team of Peter Young, Roger Read and Roger Green turned up trumps, winning with an excellent 78 points. Second place with 76 points went to Andy Giles, Steve Gay and Mike O’Keefe while Mark Ruttley, Peter Chapple and Tony Connolly took the honours for third position with 75.

The weather took its toll during the past week although it fortunately did not affect one of the highlights of the Seniors’ social calendar year - the Christmas Bash which was played on Friday. The format varies year to year and this year it was a Texas Scramble.

As always, this event attracts a very large entry. The conditions were not good, however, as a flaming red sky welcomed everyone to an 8am shotgun start. With about four holes left to play the rain commenced.

However, once everyone had made it to the bar, they enjoyed a superb Christmas Lunch. The Seniors captain Chris Durman presented the prizes following a brief welcoming introduction which included one of his infamous jokes!

Some excellent scores were returned with the winning team of Steve Gay, Roger Green and Richard Baker taking the honours with nett 62. Nearest the pin on the par 3s was won by Ash Stockley, Trevor Stephens, Paul Saunders and a shared prize on the 18th between Mark Swallow and Peter Chapple where a tape measure could not separate them.

Many thanks must go to Lorraine, Sara and all the kitchen and bar staff for their organisation and effort contributing to such an enjoyable occasion and a perfect way to start the festive season.