After a few late fitness tests, a full warm up and the rubbing in, of the whole town’s monthly allocation of ralgex and deep heat, there were 105 fighting fit entrants, in this year’s Frank George Salver at Falmouth Golf Club this week. All of them were trying their level best to emulate last year’s champion, Ian Renshaw. Conditions were benign, but the course is very firm now and it is giving some unusual bounces to some of the less fortunate competitors.

In third place, with 43 points, was one of the longest serving members of the club, everyone’s favourite bar steward, Billy Ward. He had to rub on more than his fair share of ralgex, but managed to secure two birdies in the first four holes to put himself in with a chance. He continued to score well and it was only a double bogey at the last that kept him from winning some more silverware for his already cluttered mantelpiece. In second place, yet again, was Big John Campbell on 44 points. It was also decided on countback, as it was last week, and John must now be wondering if he will ever win that elusive Board Job Competition. He followed it up on the Sunday in the Junior Spring Medallion, by coming, you guessed it, second.

This time last year John was a 14 handicapper and after Saturday’s competition he is now proudly playing off single figures for the first time. Having a handicap of 9 is some consolation and all his recent winnings mean that he can now afford a proper haircut. In first place this week, also on 44pts, was newcomer Simon Anderson. He only joined the club this year and got his first official handicap in April. He played very steadily throughout his round and even birdied the 11th after a treble bogey on the previous hole. On this form he is definitely showing signs of even better things to come. Results: 1st, Simon Anderson, 44pts; 2nd, John Campbell, 44pts; 3rd, Billy Ward, 43pts; 4th, Chris Old, 43pts; 5th, Andrew Kemp 43pts.