Yes, Peter Mercer, Stuart Aston and Steve Cameron from Port Macquarie, and Mal Peters down from up there at Valla, dug deep in their pockets to be joint sponsors.

And 'twas Peter who roared loudest (so to speak), a man who virtually went through hell not that long ago and is now bouncing back fit and strong, outscoring no fewer than 41 rivals.

After chasing his prey right around the 14 holes with Stuart again his valued side-kick, an out-of-the-ordinary total of 37 points were tallied. Pride of place one supposes.

However this score was just the one better than two challengers, namely Wayne Hutley and Rod Maher. Yes, it is still hard to win at Kempsey.

Whilst Peter received the $20 Victory Voucher for his troubles, Mal (32 points), like both C-grade runners-up, had to be content with a new Srixon. Figuring in the ball competition is a reward though.

Our financial controller, Robert Johnston, topped the A-grade listings with 34 points, whilst willing-worker volunteer Michael Hinchcliffe won B-grade with 33 points on countback.

Now, before the ball competition is listed, it must be revealed that Mr Mercer is our official handicapper, yes he is, so it does appear an immediate subtraction of 3.5 for him.

All new Srixon winners will suffer, too, as all 11 were above the 30 cut-off level. There was Hutley and Maher (36) with Kevin Hopping, Max Gleeson, Terry Smith and David Tolman (all 33).

On 32 were Chris Hudson and Peters and a trio on 31 were Alan Macdonald, Bill Paterson ans Neil Dodds.

Nearest the pins at the third and 11th holes were highlighted by respective doubles in A and C-grade by Graeme Dyet and Hutley. In B-grade it was Ron Ingall and John Terlich the claimants.

During the presentation happenings Mal (Peters), a former highest-ranking National Lions Club official, gave an address that had the gathering somewhat spell-bound.

"Today fellows is the eve of the Lions World-wide Diabetes Awareness Day," he said. "That leaflet you have in front of you is very informative. But please fellows do have a check-up...it's a damn dreadful disease."

Just prior to Mal's address, our President Alan (Macdonald) had sought the owner of a misplaced bump and run iron which is now back in Peter Metrcer's bag of sticks. Shows just how excited our winner was, eh!

Now fellows...today's event is a 2BBB Stableford and do keep in mind that the coveted Kempsey Heights Bowling Club Gold Medal Day is only a fortnight away.