The second round of the Axe Cliff seniors winter league programme saw some new contenders emerge to fight for the coveted title.

The new partnership of Hugh Willis, recently returning from a bad back, and John Hanna, recently back from the wilds of America, obviously found the rest from golf over the past few weeks has done them a power of good.

Their 35 points (from 15 holes) proved too much for their fellow competitors and was no doubt helped by a remarkable birdie on the 17th hole by John.

His second shot on the par four hole leaving him with a tap in and, as he had two shots on that hole, he collected five points towards the team total. From the chasing pack two others, Tony Horton and Chris Jowett, playing their first game of the competition scored 33 points holding off the challenge of Gilbert Cox and Alan Vincent, last years champions and determined not to relinquish their title easily, on the back nine ruling. John Hanna completed a good day when he was only one of two players to record a two. The other two came from the old rascal back from heart treatment Geoff Hughes. The winter programme at Axe Cliff is developing nicely.

The Axe Cliff men’s section played a Texas Scramble that resulted in a win for Cyril Hellier, Andrew Hellier and Anthony Hellier with a score of 64.9.

Second was the trio of Alex Todd, Stuart Mackie and Nigel Pritchard with a score of net 66.8.

The Gruesome Cup was contested last weekend and played as a mixed greensome stableford.

Played in windy conditions first place went to Alan Kenworthy and Pauline Willis with second claimed by Richard Orsman and Bee Sammons.

Third were the duo of Jim Whiting and Barbara Cummings.