There Johnny was, an early finisher and almost atop the list of the 14 C-graders amongst the entire field of 39 starters and yes, there was no beating this fellow with 40 points to his name.

Of course, when a sizeable field is semaphored, the competition becomes a three-way go and naturally there becomes a trio of $20 voucher recipients.

But there has to be just the one outright "champ" who has to be content with just the bragging rights, so let's hear it for Johnnnnnny King. And he's one of our Club's older elders, too!

That big 90 is looming for this little leftie from Hat Head who wasn't shy in saying that he owed it all to his current coach and regular playing partner, Graham Schasser, for his sudden improvement.

"Schas told me to keep my head down and that he would watch where the ball goes because I find it hard to follow it . The plan worked and they [handicapper etc] have me on this silly big handicap and the like."

Both respective A and B-grade winners, Graeme Dyet and Terry Hyland, produced 35-point rounds, whilst scores of 30 or better were needed to figure in the ball competition.

Spare a thought for Wayne Cooper when his second-best 37 score was to only lead those into the new Srixons listings. Three on 33 were Graham Hall, Neil Dodds and Schasser.

One back was Milton Riggs, with Jack Tolman on 31, before Wayne Simmons, Robert Dykes, Paul McNamara, Kevin Hopping and Stuart Aston all figured with 30 points apiece. Alan Macdonald highlighted his day with an A-grade nearest the pin double at the third and 11th holes, whilst lesserlights Aston and Dodds featured their rounds.

No B-grader made it onto the 11th hole, however the tee shot by Mr Riggs at the third hole to within just a single span of the flagstick and the eventual birdie for four points was certainly worthy of note.

And you know what...Mr Riggs (he's 92) is our oldest elder and yes, he's really really proud of the fact, eh!

President Alan (Macdonald) was orderly in his usual address and opened up with happy birthday greetings to both Terry Hyland and Hillary Dew and he, too, was sort of astonished by John King's performance.

The boss said plenty and 'twas all good, so good that it drew probably the warmest applause ever by our fellow members.

Made a boo-boo I did in last week's report and to correct the introduction: Brothers Ian and Ced Rudd's Foursomes Championship score should have been a 4-over (not under) par round. Sorry!

Now fellows, as your captain told you last week , today's event is a 14-hole stroke for the November Monthly Medal and the last chance to qualify for a start in next month's Gold Medal Day.

The prestigious medal , as well as those staged monthly on the first Tuesdays throughout the year, are sponsored by the Kempsey Heights Bowling Club.