The annual A&P Falmouth Ltd versus Falmouth Golf Club sponsored match took place last week, writes David Holland.

Brian ‘Shovel’ Shovlin, a powerhouse of a man from the Highlands, inspired, he claims, the A & P team to their maiden victory, six-and-a-half to three-and-a-half.

Wiping tears of joy from his eyes, ‘Shovel’, who is known for calling a spade a spade, said his team had dug deep and had cultivated new ground with this inaugural victory over his opposing captain for the evening, Malcolm Coulls. Malcolm, whom all agreed delivered the speech of the season, was ever gracious in defeat and did note that club captain Ian Churcher and he, despite the overall loss, had defeated Brian and his partner comprehensively.

The Falmouth team, despite fielding two professional players, including club pro Nick Rogers, dressed like ‘Super Mario’, lost 3 and 2, and had no answer to the relentless hammering of the A&P players.

The A&P team, including a professional of their own, Tony Ramsden, who apparently had an interview at the docks once, just proved too strong. It was a great match, played in a fantastic spirit, and the evening was rounded off by a magnificent barbecue served by club chef Doug Johns which eased any pain for the losing players.