Last Thursday was our annual match against the Australian Golf Club. Although it looked bleak early, the clouds opened up and gave us nearly perfect playing conditions, albeit it was a bit wet under foot. We have been playing the Australian for around 70 years and in later years (7), Bowral have not had the success they had hoped for and had been beaten soundly both at home and away. In order to allow more flexibility in teams for this predominately male dominated social event, ladies were allowed to join the teams some 3 years ago, which has put some enthusiasm back into the contest. Both Ian McKenzie and The Australians, John Rowan, have done a wonderful job of organising the event for the past twenty odd years and have used the formula, that if you had played previously you were given first right of refusal at the next event. It is unfortunate that of the 160 odd members available to play, there are only 32 spots, which means it is inevitable that there will be some disappointments. The ladies headed off at around 11.15am with the men following. At the close of the rounds cards were handed into the Pro Shop for collation however, as is tradition, no results were to be announced until dinner that night. All games were played in great spirit and the visitors were most complimentary about the course. An excellent dinner was provided by external caterers from Centennial Vineyards Restaurant and plenty of wine and beer flowed freely. President Kevin Burke set the theme of the speeches with several jokes, with Australian President, Ken Rennie following with his own library of comical renditions. This lightened the mood for the more formal announcements by Australian's Captain, Stuart Cox and myself, that Bowral had won a monumental achievement by winning 14.5 games to the Australians 4.5. A great day and night was had by all. The challenge has now been set that we will beat the Australian on their own turf next year. Thank you to all those who played and attended the dinner. An account for your meal and the cost of all refreshments and drink, will be available from the office shortly. If anybody has further photos of the event, could I please have them for publication and history.
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