Falmouth Golf Club staged the second round of the Ted Hitchens Winter League on Saturday, and once again the format of drawn pairs in a better-ball Stableford points scoring system, produced high scores and even higher drama, writes Micky Doust.

The morning showers had dissipated and a bright and breezy afternoon made for good conditions for the time of year, resulting in many pairs returning excellent scores. On a day when many of the members were sporting newly grown moustaches in support of ‘Movember’, some players were hardly recognisable.

Attention and gaze was soon changed from looking at top lips to bottom lips, as the pairing of Richie Perrin and Steve ‘Boom Boom’ Briers, who had been sitting pretty on 46 points, were told the bad news, that they had been disqualified for an incorrectly marked card. A very costly mistake by the experienced duo, who are now odds on favourites to scoop the accolade of ‘Nuggets of the Month’ for November. This subsequently moved the other high scoring competitors up a place, giving veteran Tony Annear and Ian Renshaw fifth place with 44 points. In fourth place, also with 44pts, was club captain Mike Hodges and Nigel Molin. Simon Hirst and Brian Shovlin came in 3rd, with the best of the 44s, on countback. In second place and missing out by a whisker, with a great score of 45 points, were desperate Dan Briers and Alan Mackay. A great ‘Ron’ on the back nine almost saw them over the winning line. The winners on the day, also with 45 points, but a better back two, were Dave Holland and Richard Thompson, with ‘Dutch’ once again, continuing his great run of form with five birdies in a two under par round. Thomo, with a gross 69, added to the total when required.

Full results were as follows: 1st Dave Holland and Richard Thompson 45pts, 2nd Dan Briers and Alan Mackay 45pts, 3rd Simon Hirst and Brian Shovlin 44pts, 4th Mike Hodges and Nigel Molin 44pts, 5th Tony Annear and Ian Renshaw 44pts.

n This Sunday sees the Cornish Bowl Team travel the short distance to Mullion for a second round tie against Cape Cornwall, with confidence high after the first round whitewash of St Austell.