Golf Day Results

Our golf correspondent Stuart Meek has swapped his putter for his pen ...........

LIGHT BLUES TRIUMPH AFTER EARLY BIRDIE BLITZ

The sun was out, and the rush to ensure that the prizes were of adequate quality and quantity was over. Most of the participants were busy fitting a day's work into half a day, and the venue - Stanton On The Wolds Golf Club was reportedly in fine fettle following its prestige event "the Coronation" the weekend before.

Dave Strong obviously saw the weather report on the BBC morning news, and decided to extend his business meetings for the day past his tee off time, leaving "Boom Boom" Elliott's team a man short. Everyone else though turned up promptly and many even managed a warm up.

2008 saw the event handed over to Stuart Meek to organise. This was something that was to scupper the chances of Rob Bakers team - "The Baker boys". They did triumph in 2007 due to Bobby changing the rules to suit (after many teams had already teed off). This year though, the rules were clearly marked on the cards. and approved by the R&A. There were a number of nearest the pin, and longest drive prizes, but everyone was playing for the first prize of a day out at Cotgrave Place Golf Club, and some Ryder cup memorabilia supplied by John Childs.

The teams all got off on time, and it was soon clear that "The Light Blues" were serious contenders. Kev Hitchcock was bullish about his new contract with Manchester City, and Rob Rathbone apparently helped him push his wheelbarrow down the M5. Gary Robson should have worn a mask, claiming a handicap of 16, but hitting it further than "Fletch" goes on Holiday! A team effort of ten birdies in the first 12 holes set them up for a big score - (Front 9 - 46 points). The main talking point though was the grip of "Fletch" or "The Claw" as he is now known. Rumour has it that his grip is even stronger than a tube of super glue!

The "Boots Boys" were also off to a flying start, and even decided to confuse "Tuckers" by putting all 4 scores on the card on every hole. (Front 9 - 44 Points) All team members contributing, and the warm weather helping Drurs with his glassback

The "Big Divots" were also confident until Dave Scothern turned up claiming to have dropped a plaster board on his arm on the morning of the event, making it impossible for him to hold his pre match pint! It didn't stop him smashing his drives miles though, and his team helped by early birdies from Declan "Tiger" Maltby and Meeky set them up for a big finish (Front 9 - 43 Points)

Steve Phillips entered his own team this year,deserting "Meeky" and "Maltby" for some local "masked raiders" "Team Phillips" getting off to a steady start with 41 points on the front 9

The rest of the field were made up of "Haquersall" - a team entered by Jon Vear, "3 men and a Lady" - Entered by Ted Elliott, and "Gone for a Burton", entered by Matt Burton - who decided not to turn up himself!! He was replaced by Steve Rendu and Ewan Stewart

All teams started to suffer a little on the back nine, but the Baker Boys started to make a move, "Jenko" fresh from his gardening leave revved up Andy Cowlishaw who started to rack up the 3 pointers, but there was little contribution from "Bobby" who is now in a job that means he has to work during the week!

"Hitch" continued to roll putts in from everywhere, and delighted in telling "Fletch" about his new housing benefit.

Steve Rendu "Rocket" had one eye on the card, and the other on the clouds that were gathering over "Bill's Mother's" These clouds changed the fortunes of many. The heavens opened, and those who were out first got the best of the weather. the "Big Divots" who were out last, got soaked to the bone, along with many of the others, and the last 6 holes proved tricky

With all 4 scores to count on the last - some teams "made hay" while the "sun shined", others simply couldn't cope. Meeky collected all of the longest drive and nearest the pin markers in, and loaded them into the back of his buggy, safe in the knowledge that he already had a prize "In the bag", blasting a drive past Bobby Baker on the 16th.

Whilst the rain came down though "Tuckers" was busy greeting the teams as they finished, and started to collate the scores.Many had a warm shower, and then settled in the bar for a few bevies before pouncing on the carvery. The R&A were called in as Bobby Baker tried to change the rules again and added all 4 scores on the 9th as well as the 18th. A very polite conversation followed, and even though he had signed for the wrong team score, the committee agreed not to disqualify them.

The carvery proved to be the highlight of the day for "Leggy", who even managed one of each of the three desserts! Wearing a number 7 on his shirt the rumours were that this was the number of portions he could consume if the supplies of fresh cream continued to flow.

All teams seemed to enjoy the spread put on by the Golf Club, and whilst we were waiting for the puddings Meeky decided to hold a "Heads or tails" competition, the winner receiving a bucket of golf balls and a shirt. At this point Geoff Baker decided to take a toilet break, even though he had paid his £2. Rather than waiting the 20 minutes for him, the local 16 year old waiter "stood in" and promptly won him the prize. (Rumour has it that Geoff was later seem in the Kitchen paying him for something)

During the presentation of prizes there was a moment whereby the R&A were called in to adjudicate. Drurs had claimed a "nearest the pin in 2 prize on the 11th" even though he wasn't on the green! No more said!!!!!!

Overall I can safely say that the Cricket Club enjoyed another successful Golf Day. I believe it was enjoyed by all, and a big congratulations to all of the prize winners who are listed below, and to everyone else who played

Keep your eye open on our website for future events (http://www.keyworthcc.co.uk/) and finally once again a very big thank you to everyone who helped make the day as enjoyable as it was

PRIZE WINNERS

First Place - 91 Points - "The Light Blues" - Rob Rathbone, Kev Hitchcock, Den Fletcher, Gary Robson

Second Place - 86 Points - "The Boots Boys" - Richard Drury, Chris Ladd, Baz Rainsford, Andy Turner

Third Place - 84 Points - "Team Phillips" - Steve Phillips, Tim Caines, Bren Foster, Steve Williams


Nearest Pin - 5th Hole - Chris Ladd - 72 inches
Longest Drive - 9th Hole - Rob Rathbone - 294 Yards
Nearest Pin in 2 - 11th Hole - Declan Maltby - 260cm (after stewards enquiry)
Longest Drive - 16th Hole - Stuart Meek - 332 Yards

On behalf of the Cricket Club I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who helped make the day a success

Alan Copson - For his sponsorship
John Childs/Allsports - For the Photographs
Jude Drury - For getting the photos printed and framed
Russ Maltby - For his help on the day
Simon Tuckwell - For collating the scoring
Stanton On The Wolds Golf Club - For providing a golf course that was in top condition
Barry Baker - who helped send out the invites etc
All of the teams who entered
Anyone else who I have forgotten

See you all next year