Unfortunately the match was rained off due to torrential downpours that got worse and worse as we sat in the clubhouse over yet another cup of coffee. Having successfully played this foursomes morning and afternoon match since 1986, this would have been the 39th such event, so we were very sorry that it did not take place, but look forward very much to returning to Woking next year!

The teams enjoyed superb weather for Day 1 of the Clyne Cup. We welcomed Simon Wall to his first RAFGS event.

The Sonning Captain had almost overcome his embarrassment at winning at Woodhall Spa and Roger Carr presented the Middlemist Comet to him at the evening dinner, at which we were also delighted to be joined by Sue Middlemist. However, he was disappointed by the halfway score of 3.5 -2.5 in our favour – our first lead in living memory.

Day 2 started off dry and calm but after 4 hours a hailstorm of biblical proportions curtailed the last 3 matches. Remarkably, 8 of the 12 matches were halved! Sonning just scraped enough points for the match to be drawn 6-6 which was unanimously agreed to be a fair result.

Our search for a win of the Clyne Cup goes on, but this was our best performance for 7 years and Captain Tim was delighted.

Team

Despite the RAFGS fielding what on paper looked to be a strong side, Moor Park are a difficult team to beat. The course was in good condition, looking as green as it has ever done in early September. The weather threatened a number of times with thunder and lightning in the distance, but miraculously we were spared

Not so with the golf, where one of the Moor Park team had a hole in one to add insult to injury. The end result was that the RAFGS were beaten 4 – 2, although one match finished on the 18th and could have gone the other way. The blow was softened by a very warm welcome and an excellent supper to round off the day.

Team

The heavens opened for 36 hours directly over Wellingborough for our Autumn Meeting. Roads were flooded, villages marooned and cars were abandoned. Yet somehow 15 valiant members of the RAFGS managed to navigate their way to the course, which, remarkably, was open.

In fact the course played amazingly well, certainly to Ian Robinson’s liking as he won the Swinton Cup with a superb 38 points. He dedicated his win to his best friend, Neil Flather, who very sadly passed away the previous week. Mark Rumble came 2nd with 34 points, closely followed by Stu Butler.

After a welcome hot shower and an excellent lunch there was a brief discussion. Unbelievably, 6 pairs donned what dry clothing they had and played 12 holes of Greensomes despite the heavy rain! The triumphant winners of the Grant Govan Cups were Tim Bishop and Mick Roche with an excellent 27 points.Stu Butler and Brett Wooldridge came 2nd with 24 and Robby Boyce and John Wood were 3rd& with 23.

Apart from the weather, Stu Butler organised the day really well. At tea 12 chuffed but very soggy golfers felt that they had more than survived; in great adversity they had played decent golf and had a good time with friends. Wellingborough’s excellent staff were surprised and impressed!