After the previous day’s downpour, 13 Old Grammarians took to the lush fairways of the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club and were greeted by ideal golfing conditions, sunshine and a gentle breeze. With the greens holding and running true there was the expectation of some high scores. (Unfulfilled)

Our competition was following a club league match, which did affect the pace of play somewhat, but that allowed for a relaxed stress-free meander (and boy, were there some meanders) around the course. Maybe too relaxed for some as the final trio of Andy Relf, Martyn Thomas and Dave Jeffery decided to curtail their round – apparently due to concern that the sandwiches and sausage rolls may have been devoured by the earlier finishers before they reached the clubhouse.

The 10 finishers produced a wide variety of scores. To avoid embarrassment, the points gained by “also rans” will not be specified, but as the prizes were mistakenly presented in reverse order, those at the bottom end of the field received the first choice from the collection of bottles each entrant had provided, so they didn’t do too badly!

The Cup went to previous runner up, Malcolm Manton, whose 34 points were just enough to push Howard Longton into 2nd place with 33. The last podium place went to Mark Rayner (the current holder) who could only manage 31 this time. 4th place went to Keith Dyte with a creditable 29 points. Other entrants, in descending order but worth a mention, Paul Gillham, Bob Reid, Nigel Creasy, Chris Ody, Don Seabright and propping up the field, (again), Richard Platt.

The prizes were presented by our President, Jack Revell, who just turned up for the sandwiches but he had to sing for his supper. Thanks to Dave Jeffery for the organisation and to Alan Smith and Tony French for their impartial adjudication with the scorecards.