Having made a poor start to the season, from a results point of view, we reached parity following our recent match with Druids Heath.  Of the 17 matches played , we have won and lost on eight occasions, with one match halved.  Normal service seems to have resumed!

To date some 49 players have represented us and I have been very well supported.  In some instances I have had in excess of thirty people to select  for individual matches.  In April/ May, the four away games were so over subscribed that I was able to pick virtually different teams for each match - a very healthy situation!!  A number of clubs we play against do not enjoy such a rich pool of talent and  subsequently have had to reduce their teams from fourteen to twelve players.  Walmley and Shirley spring to mind.  This impinges on our selection process, so if you have not played in as many matches as desired, this may go some way as an explanation.

Earlier this year our popular Vice Captain, Geoff Chaplin, was elected as Captain Elect of Olton Golf Club, to the delight of us all.  One of the knock on effects being that he will not be able to take on the responsibilities of Seniors' Captain in October.  You have already been notified that it is my intention to propose Gary Compson to be my replacement at our AGM in October.  I am confident that Geoff and Gary will undertake their respective roles in an exemplary manner, IF ELECTED!

In addition to the inter club matches, the Spring  Texas Scramble was held in May.  The organisation of  Brian Walker and John Molesworth again reached the very high standard we come to expect and they laid on good weather too!  On behalf of us all I would not only like to thank them, but to pay tribute to the many Seniors who give so freely of their time voluntarily to enhance the enjoyment of our membership.  Neil Brenton is currently organising the Yellow Ball Competition on the 27th July.  The signs are that it is also being well supported.

The "Away Day" at Nuneaton took place during the recent spell of glorious weather.  Thirty players "enjoyed" the challenge and judging by the scores, a few came up short.  John Pegg ,however had a remarkable back nine scoring 24 points and was a worthy winner of the Captains' Trophy.  The host club looked after us very well.

On 15th July, we hold one of our most enjoyable functions, as it is our  CHARITY DAY, being organised for the second year running by the estimable  Geoff Chaplin.  The charity selected again is  SOLIHULL LIFE OPPORTUNITIES and it is my hope that we can match last year's donation.  Our sincere thanks to  Geoff  for the long hours he puts in to bring this event to a successful conclusion.

We look forward, not only to the second half of the season, but to our inaugural  SENIORS OPEN , a pairs competition, on 17th August.  This competition has been masterminded by  DENNIS PICK and has proven to be a sellout!  We look forward to it with great anticipation.  We have a group of volunteers to assist with the organisation, but will require extra assistance on the day.  For instance we shall require starters and recorders.  I shall be posting notices nearer the day, so   PLEASE  HELP if you can as we are anxious to make this first venture a great success.

Good golfing to you all for the forseeable future!

MIKE  DOYLE

SENIORS' CAPTAIN