The latest major event in Ross Golf Club’s annual events programme for men members saw 31 pairings compete in the Eddie Hodges Fourball better ball medal with each entrant for handicap purposes having to play off a reduced 90% allowance.

This did not deter Nigel Lifely and John Watkins who found the Gorsley based tree-lined course, even from the demanding white tees to their considerable liking. Their remarkable combined nett 62 medal score was 10 shots lower than the course’s standard par 72 status and proved a Trophy winner by miles to secure their places at the Club’s Presentation evening in September and also honours board recognition. Almost by arrangement, Nigel’s play dominated the score-card during their outgoing 9 holes with John coming alive on their more challenging inward 9 holes in which he took the responsibility for 8 of them including a crucial gross birdie on the 15th hole which proved conclusive.

Runners-up Neil Lancett & Gareth Webb with a nett 65 will consider themselves unfortunate to have found Nigel and John in such fine form as will Gerry Powell/Mark Oldale and Roger Morgan/William Cansdale who also carded nett 65’s. Currently taking a two months summer break from his USA college from where he hopes to qualify ultimately as a Professional player, 20 year old Niall Powell, off scratch, found 4 birdies to combine with Hugh Elliott to score a nett 66 followed by Robert Lerigo/Kingsley Matthews with nett 67 and nett 68’s by Stephen Price/Ross Juniors Captain, Cam Haines, Keith New/John Parker, Tim Kefalas/Chris Merriman and Allen Bartlett/Steve Crooks.