By Ron Hottes
The V.V.Vs:
So, on this day, folks, with a small field of seven playing popular Committee person, Merilyn Macdonald posted the best 9-hole result ever since the V.V.V. Competition began. Merilyn’s 25 points was not only super impressive, but did not feature in the daily results. Merilyn only decided on the morning to play, and her card was marked by her husband, not one of the other Ladies. Still, well done, Merilyn. The winner, therefore, with a total that was pretty special anyway, was Suzanne Barratt, who recorded a fine 18 points. Both girls deserve congratulations for those results. Of course, no NTPs were achieved.
Wednesday 19 February, Stableford:
With conditions perfect for good scoring, the following result comes as no surprise. Glenn Forbes won out on the day by posting a healthy 38-point result. Good shooting, Glenn. The daily runner-up was the consistent Rob Ferguson, who recorded a 36-point score. The perennial Alan-Johnston was ‘countbacked’ out of that runner-up voucher, even though he also posted a 36-point result. The ball rundown reached to 34 only. Lucky NTP winners were as follows: Ian Cranston (3rd), Noel Cross (for a lovely tee-shot on the tough 5th), Junior Kempton (9th) and special mention to the lovely Annalies Duivenvoorden, who picked up NTPs on both the 12th and the 15th. Well done, young lady.
Twilight: on a delightful afternoon/evening weatherwise, it was always on the cards that someone would conquer the tough back nine. Ben Lever did so, winning the top voucher by accruing 19 very solid points. Good work, Panda. Young tyro Manny Humphris, took home the runner-up prize posting an 18-point result eclipsing his father’s recent efforts. Vicki Hottes came in 3rd, also with 18 impressive points. Balls extended only down to 17. The 3 NTPs went home with Danny Fox (12th), Dale Horrobin (15th) and Paul Kennedy (17th).
Saturday 22 February, Stroke and 2nd round of the 2025 Club Championships:
Once again a big field, on a hot day, meant that there would be three grades. Ironically, the hottest of those grade winners was Chris Leighton, who returned a superb Nett 66 to win the A-Grade voucher. Ben Lever, in a rare vein of good form, was the A-Grade runner-up with a fine Nett 68. But, in B-Grade, Lee Creedy matched Chris’s Nett 66 to share the honours. Good work, Lee. Steuart Hawke, with a welcome return to form, was the runner-up with a solid Nett 68. And finally in C-Grade, Scott Atkinson’s Nett 67 just pipped Jodie Burge’s 68 for the two daily vouchers. Balls extended to 72 in both the A and B-grade, but got all the way down to Nett 76 in C-Grade. The NTP winners on this day were Andy Lockey (3rd), Michael Batten (5th), Jake Dummett (9th) and La Pinkster (15th).
A quick summary of the Championship standings after Round 2 is:
Michael Batten is making a good fist of defending his Open title, with two steady rounds, allowing him to lead the chasing pack, including young Seth Spenceley and multiple previous winner, Paul Mason, by plenty (Unfortunately, at the time of completion of this article, both B and C-Grade standings were not available.) In other results, President Nursey has the Open title all wrapped-up again. Georgie Houniet and Deborah are neck and neck in B-Grade, with it all coming down to next week’s final round. Commissioner Macdonald has the C-Grade title already done and dusted. Manny Humphris and Jake Troyahn are having a gigantic battle for the Junior championship. Finally, Steuart Hawke has made a bright start in his quest to be the Senior’s champion.
