Axe Cliff seniors captain Dave Bruce was able to put a young inexperienced team of eight players together as the young captain’s team, to take on a wily, talented, but elderly team of past captain’s for the annual match between the two selected teams, writes Pete Motson.

To help the old boys, the contest was reduced to one of 15 holes, leaving out the long par fives and the difficult 18th.

Hot soup and a bread roll were provided afterwards to help the players pots match recovery – it worked a treat and many thanks are due to Donna and Phil behind the bar, for their sterling efforts with this particular part of the day.

As for the on course action, once the young captain’s team had overcome early nerves they gradually wore down the opposition on their way to a five-and-a-half to two-and-a-half match win.

The winners for the captain’s team were: Dave Bruce Geoff Hughes; Mike Jamieson beat Ron Bragg, despite Ron trying to claim the 18th in error! David Evans beat Gilbert Cox by just one hole; Bill Polley beat John Ashbolt, but Pete Motson managed to overcome the threat of Nigel Tarr and won by two holes.

Gerry Turner managed a creditworthy half in his match against the in-form Rob Grove, who probably had the Christmas Entertainment Evening on his busy mind. The winners for the past captain’s team were: Malcolm Glass beat Dave Sammons, one up and Bob Graham won a close encounter with Ian Crawford, 2-1.

Nearest the pin was won by Ian Crawford of the captain’s team and Rob Grove of the past captain’s team.

There was some dispute as Gilbert Cox, due to a senior moment, put his name on the captain’s sheet probably because he was not very close to Rob Grove!

In terms of the post match presentations, Dave Bruce graciously accepted the coveted trophy from the oldest member of the past captain’s team, Geoff Hughes, who, despite his tender 82 years, was as still able to out drive Dave occasionally!

We were expecting Geoff to reply to Dave’s address, but sadly he fell asleep whilst Dave was talking! Suffice to say a wonderful day was had by all.