THE fifth and final round of the Seniors Cup was played on Dartmouth’s Championship Course on Monday, September 2.

26 players took part in the event with points also on offer for the Senior of the Year honour.

Colin Cooper won the cup last year with a three-round aggregate score of 217 and he remained in with a shout to retain his title. That being said, leader John Garner looked hard to beat with a 209 already on the cards and had a chance to improve his advantage in the latest outing.

This he did with consummate ease, coming in with a Nett 69, five clear of flying Scot Alistair Forbes who was second in today’s competition. But all power to John’s elbow- he has been the standout player in this year’s medal event.

Records suggest that John’s performance might be the best yet with a 69.6 round average. Set in context, today was interspersed with constant mizzle, sea mist and slow greens so John’s outstanding result has to be measured against this challenging background. Very well done sir!

Nigel Osborne claimed the division two spoils, and in summary, many were glad to see the finish of what is not a popular format competition and to seek solace in the clubhouse. Normal service resumes next week.

Trevor Pretty (74), Nigel Osborne (75), Gordon Holmes (76) and Brian Mushens (77) closely followed John and Alistair on the day. The only birdie two of the day came courtesy of Trevor.

Looking at the overall standings of the Seniors Cup and after John came Brian M (214), Graham Burton (215), Gordon H (218), Philip Green (218) and Mario Aresti (219).

The Senior of the Year standings is one thing that John doesn’t lead though, he is second on 65 points to Gary Bonser, with 71.

Having lost 4.5-1.5 away at Dainton back in June, the return leg of this friendly clash ended in a creditable 3-3 draw on a sunny and breezy afternoon.

Ian Black & Nigel Osborne (6&5) and David Sparks & Tony King (5&3) had big wins in their matches and Gary Bonser & Tim Cronin secured the other victory. Geoffrey Jewell won the Dartmouth Nearest the Pin on hole number three.

Lastly to the club knockout competitions and Blight Trophy current holder Ian Metchette beat Gary Bonser to move into his consecutive final. He will take on Kevin Hoare who overcame Mark Mitchell on the other side of the draw.

In the Perring Cup pairs knockout, Malcolm Barrett & Ian Black beat Michael Whitelaw & Mario Aresti.

Next week sees the annual outing of three clubs and a putter plus a home match against China Fleet.