The International.............

Notwithstanding a cloudy overcast sky nearly 80 turned out for the matchplay component of the International season. The first tee looked a picture framed in the 15 flags of the countries represented in the field.

A number of intriguing match ups were scheduled within the draw. Keen to avenge last years humiliation Charles Whitwham was once again down to play Steve Savill and while he started quickly Steve finally managed to gain the ascendancy in the last few holes to secure a 2 up win.

At the top of the order Canadian and world globe trotter Marty Holman proved too strong for a much younger Liam Cumberpatch with a six up win while David Robinson, from the luxury of a cart, put Andrew Vincent to the sword by a similar amount. Scot, Innes MacDonald on his summer sojourn was another winner at +7 for the Internationals. Grant Osborn redressed the balance for the Kiwis with a +7 victory while Bruce Cooper and Dodge Healey were also in the mix with +5 & +4 wins respectively.

Unfortunately Marcus Annan a regular number 1 in Presidents was seen off by the normal number 8 John MacVicar by a four hole margin. In a titanic struggle I managed to withstand the might of the United States (Tracy Tatom) for a hard earned half. When everything was finally added up the Internationals retained the trophy by 35 holes to 31 - a very close encounter.

In the Women's Section the Internationals once again prevailed with Eileen Johns, Diana Sullivan and Cher Xiong playing well while Janet Osborn and Steph Beth managed wins for the Kiwis. Safe also to say the buffet meal at the conclusion of the afternoon was enjoyed by all. We now look forward to the mid winter international teams event in depths of deepest darkest shortest day.