The Axe Cliff seniors were given a real golfing lesson when they played their annual Tic Toc Trophy match against the Axe Cliff ladies, writes Rob Grove.

Playing in a foursomes format the ladies showed exceptional skill and expertise as they won all but one of the seven matches. To save the men’s blushes they knew they were up against it when the draw was made and the rules and the stroke allowances were announced. Because of many years of winning, the seniors had to give eleven courtesy shots as well as half the difference between the pairs.

Needless to say even the most stalwart of the seniors’ team found giving 24 shots more than a little daunting and the final results showed some crushing victories for the ladies. There were many tears shed in the after match meal by the senior gentlemen. No wonder the Axe Cliff ladies always do well in their league matches, they are a formidable unit. Some consolation comes when they meet next year and the seniors only have to give ten courtesy strokes – roll on 2015.

The result against the ladies must have spurred the seniors to up their game for their last friendly match of the season against Taunton Vale. A win by five matches to one was paled by the impact of the occasion.

The Taunton team will not be playing next year as their course is closing and, although their members put on a brave face, it was evident that they were all playing under a cloud of despondency. When you know that the friends with whom you have been playing golf for so long will no longer be meeting together as they all go to different clubs to continue their golf, you will naturally feel a tinge of sadness and it obviously affected their game.

Some consolation came from the fact that the nearest the pin prizes for the day were awarded to visiting players.