THE Marlwood Course at Thornbury Golf Centre had recovered very well from the cold and wet spring when the Club Seniors welcomed another strong field to their Pairs Invitation Event for the Duke Salver.

Competition was keen but scores were lower than recent years in the cool and breezy conditions for this combined Stableford event played from the medal tees.

Mike Doust partnering John Abbott from South Cerney came in late in the day with 70 points to overtake long-term club house leaders Ray Sherwood and Howell David whose 67 just kept Dave Cockerell and Lee Newlyn (Cumberwell Park) out of second place in a very close count-back.

Sponsor of the event, past Seniors captain Terry Duke and his partner Steve Jones (Chipping Sodbury) were fourth with 64 points just one ahead of Stan Metcalfe and Jim Caleja also from Chipping Sodbury.

l The final rounds of the Hunter Cup, the Seniors winter singles knock-out, were delayed by the weather but eventually Mike Doust prevailed in this as well with a 2&1 win over Roger Unwin.

Llew Morgans and Lindsey Henniker-Heaton being the losing semi finalists.

l Heavy overnight rain forced the cancellation of the Seniors first club match of the season away to local rivals The Bristol.

When Clevedon were entertained honours were shared in a very close encounter.

Travelling to Naunton Downs they found the high handicappers were masters of their own course.

On an exceedingly cold and windy day with occasional snow flurries they suffered a 5-1 loss with only vice captain Terry Gregory and Roger Rowen recording a victory.