Bells Hotel and the Forest of Dean Golf Club

This was the second running of the “Open”. The previous winners were the West Glamorgan County team, which included the world singles champion plus 2 Welsh internationals.

Unfortunately this time the date clashed with an International match and the trio could not defend their title, but the runners-up on that occasion were present and this time made the step up to top spot.

The group stages saw the home club on top with the A and B teams reaching the finals undefeated. Also going well were local club Lydney, who have vastly improved since last year. They won 3 of their 4 group matches, only losing out to the Forest’s B team.

The final was between the Forest of Dean A team of Val Ayres, Tony Freegard and skip Mike Wall, pitted against fellow club members Mervyn Edmonds, Graham Ayres and ably skipped by Daphne Edmonds.

There was not much in it over the first 4 ends, but then the A team started to apply the pressure and scored 11 shots over the next 4 and pulled away easy winners.

A great days competition in the great facilities offered at Bells. Lets hope all the Internationals are back to test the locals in 2010.