Harrogate and District Union

Winter Alliance at Oakdale Golf Club: With a distinct lack of autumnal sunshine or, some may even say daylight, and a cold wind blowing with wet underfoot conditions, this did not seem to be the ideal weather for golf. But this did not deter some the hardy souls to provide a full entry for the fourth alliance of the winter programme.

The big question was, could the Oakdale members playing find a place on the leader board at the end of the competition and not as in previous alliances where the host club members have failed to produce the form they would have liked. But yet again Oakdale members failed to use their local knowledge.

With a second win of this year's alliance season the winners were the Thirsk and Northallerton pairing of Richard Skippings and Justin Bartlett with an excellent 47 points a clear three points ahead of second place.

Results: Winners: R Skippings (17) and J Bartlett (10), Thirsk and Northallerton 47points; Runners Up: P Langant (scr) and W Caw (13) Pannal (B9 22) 44 points; Third: R Taylor (12) and G Nichols (9) Harrogate (B9 20) 44 points; Fourth: E Baire (11) and P Elsworth (9) Ripon City 43 points; Fifth: J Hammond (scr) and P Richardson (10) Ilkley (B9-20 B6-14) 42 points; Sixth: N Hardisty (12) and R Vandenburg (20) Knaresborough (B9-20 B6-13) 42 points.

The fifth alliance will be held at Harrogate Golf Club on Wednesday, December 4.

Bedale

AGentlemen's Dinner: Prior to the dinner the captain Alan Court entertained his fellow captains, Union President Jim Boddy and Captain of Captains Alan Davies to a round of golf and although the course was wet the sun shone and all enjoyed the exercise which was followed by afternoon tea in the clubhouse.

The dinner was attended by many members and guests who enjoyed the speeches which commenced with Union President proposing the toast to the club. In his response the captain Alan Court reviewed his year and singles out Kevin Ward for special praise for his achievement in becoming a scratch golfer during the year.

The vice captain David Blades in proposing the toast to the guests introduced them all and spoke of the forthcoming retirement of Bob Mayo the Union Secretary after so many years of service. The evening was rounded off by Malcolm White who in humorous speech replied on behalf of the guests.

Seniors: In view of the wet conditions trolleys were banned and to lighten the load for the elderly golfers the Seniors Captain Bill Coom organised a four club Stableford competition this week with the following leading scores: 33 points Tony Howard, 31 Gareth Jones, also Kevin McCourt and Brian Knapton, card countback required.