Written by Hilary G, Competitions Secretary 2022
Photos by John A.
A fresh breeze and a wintry sun welcomed the faithful to the pond for Finals Day. True to form, it turned out to be an entertaining day for spectators and yet a challenging day for all those involved in the matches. The unusually low number of individuals in finals this year, with some members in three and in the case of Wendy Coleman, four finals, meant that matches would need to be played over the two days.
True to form, the Villis machine started with a fine win in the Mens’ Pairs partnered by Terry Coleman. Meanwhile, the Ladies Pairs which was more of an evenly balanced game was won by Joy Lane and Martina Garfield. The last of the morning games was completed by an excellent performance by John Wright in the Handicap, beating last years’ winner Mike Amos.
Following a short break the main singles events of the day notably the Mens’ and Ladies Championship and the Veterans final commenced at 1.00 p.m. The three games expertly marked by John Davies, Mal Laycock and Paul Aldus, resulted in wins for Chris Wilson in the Championship, Wendy Coleman in the Ladies Championship and Hilary Guckian in the Veterans.
Following another short break for refreshment, there was a presentation by President Barry to John Davies to mark his 50 years as a member of the club
The last three games for day one commenced at 3.00 p.m. The two wood singles was retained by Chris Wilson after a close game against John Wright. Wendy Coleman won the Beginners against Pam Gibbons.
The game of the day was the Open Pairs. It was won on an extra end by Lee Pheasant and Barry Taylor. The scores were 19-19 after 21 ends, and so an additional end had to be played to decide the trophy winners.
The Burnett / Guckian combination bowled first and were holding game shot when President Barry sent down his last bowl. It rested on one of his other woods and crept in for the winning shot by two inches!!
It’s a cruel game sometimes!!
So ended Day 1. Much banter and drink then ensued in the clubhouse, whilst finalists for Day 2 went home to prepare to do battle again on Sunday.
Day 2
Two finals took place on day 2. There was an all-family affair between Wendy and Terry Coleman in the Novices. It was won by Wendy, the 3rd win of the 4 finals she played.
The other game? Yes, you guessed it, the Phil Villis machine - partnered by Shawn White - took the Two Wood Pairs against Alan Shattock and John Wright.
That concludes all the competitions for this year, the trophies for each being presented to winners at the Club Presentation lunch on 12th November at Mendip Spring Golf and Country Club.
My personal thanks to all who supported and participated over the two days, to Mal and Chris for their work behind the scenes with the bar and teas, to John Amos for the photos, to the markers John, Mal, Paul and Harry and last but not least, the finalists themselves for making it such a special occasion.
