THE warning of heavy and frequent showers did not disappoint as Minehead and Seniors played their first competition - a 4bbb.

The course, particularly the front nine, had taken the brunt of the rainfall and was extremely wet under foot. The fourth hole was unplayable, so the competition was played over 17 holes.

Despite the conditions, the pairing of Doug Hayhoe and Chris Durman managed to avoid trench foot and amass an excellent 42 points as the outright winners. Steve Gay and Adrian Ryan took second place with 39 with third position going to Mike Kelly and Kevin Garner with 37 points.

The Stableford qualifier scheduled to be played on Friday had to be downgraded to a non-qualifier due to the closure of the fourth hole and temporary greens on holes 7 and 8. Nevertheless a large entry enjoyed the first dry conditions in some time.

The winner with 36 points and sustaining an excellent recent run of form was Doug Hayhoe. Three players finished on 35, in second place on countback was Dave Ball ahead of Trevor Stephens. Andy Giles was just nudged into fourth place.

After all the Christmas and New Year distractions, it was good to be back on the tee.