WESTON Golf Club's Nathan Bateman was a worthy winner of the club championship.

WESTON Golf Club's Nathan Bateman was a worthy winner of the club championship.

Played in torrential rain and hail storms, conditions were extremely challenging. Despite this, the competition held over two days (36 holes gross) exhibited some fine play amongst the contenders.

Nathan, still a junior member, joined the club in 2004 as a young lad of 13, keenly supported by his grandfather during the first few years and has progressed from a handicap of 28 down to one and is also the current holder of the course record.

Nathan's extensive practice sessions during the past few weeks and his sheer determination paid dividends. He even admitted to his friends of rehearsing his winning speech some three days before the competition.

In his presentation speech, Nathan thanked and commended the work of the greenstaff in providing a superb course, despite the weather and announced his pride in becoming the club champion.

Club captain Tim Rees said Nathan's cool head and mature approach to golf makes him a fine example for all juniors to follow.

Previous club champions Adam Sloan and John James were runner-up and third respectively.

The handicap plate winner was Roy Turner. Roy has overcome some health problems in recent months and this achievement is most admirable. Runner-up was Robbie Wilkinson and third place went to Ryan Peacock.

Results - club championships: Nathan Bateman 70, 68 = 138; Adam Sloan 73, 71 = 144; John James 75, 71 = 146.

Handicap Plate: Roy Turner 66, 69 = 135; Rob Wilkinson 68, 71 = 139; Ryan Peacock 69, 72 = 141.

Saturday - gross: Stuart Wyllie 71; Dan Whitewood 72; Roger Giles 73; Carl Hall 75. Nett: Les Brewin 65; Gavin Somers 66; Daren King 66; Steve Smith 67.

Sunday - gross: Matt Evans 73; Paul Hughes 75; Paul Wilkinson 75; Dave Rowland 76. Nett: Andrew Skinner 67; Simon Collier 70; Glen Taylor 70; Andy Smith 70.

Men's Invitation Day: D King (Weston), C Hill (Burnham & Berrow) 45 pts; J Bassett (Weston), P Maggs (Mendip Spring) 45; G Taylor (Weston), G Taylor (Peaver, Cheshire) 44; D Andow (Weston), T Andow (Burnham & Berrow) 44; S Smith (Weston), G Ellis (Knowle) 43.

Nearest the pin: B Carlin. Longest drive: R Thompson (Weston).

Midweek Stableford: D Whitewood 41 pts; C Disney 40; N Bateman 38; F Ferrari 37; J Fry 35; J James 35; M Vann 35; J Lancaster 35.

A HOLE-IN-ONE by Liz Sims on the par three fourth hole was the highlight of the annual competition between the ladies and seniors Sections of the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club for the Friendly Bowl.

Indeed, all the highlights came from the ladies' section. Liz, with partner Liz Hill, went on to record 46 Stableford points, but even this was surpassed by Cathy Olive and Wendy Lucas who scored a remarkable 47 points.

None of the men could come anywhere near this and the final score, reversing the form of recent years, was a win for the ladies by 495 points to 456.

Fiona Beattie was again in good form in the Sunday club Stableford. She missed a short putt on the 18th hole which would have equalled her own course record of 71. Her level par round of 72 was still good enough to easily win the ladies section with 40 points. There were some good performances in the men's section with junior Matt Shaw continuing his run of good performances by winning Division 1 with 40 points.

Both these were eclipsed by Keith Rabbits, who will see his handicap cut as a result of his 44 points in Division 3, leaving brother Francis trailing in third place.

WESTON Golf Club Seniors Salmon Cup was won by John Banfield on one of the best golfing mornings of the early summer.

A fresh south-easterly wind making the conditions a good test of golf for the field of 72. Tony Barry, the seniors captain and Paul Lund, club chairman, both with 38 points came in second and third respectively. The Vets Cup was won by Brian Brown.

Scores: J Banfield 39 pts; A Barry 38; P Lund 38; R Yeomans 38; G Leigh 37; G Tripp 36; T Buck 36. Vets Cup: B. Brown.

Other leading scores: R Schubert 35; R Fowler 34; D Andow 34; R Harris33; J Latham 33; P Parish 32 pts

THE winner of the Jubilee Shield, a 36-hole competition at Worlebury Golf Club was Darren John with 63 points, second was Harry Rowlands with 62 (last 18) and third Rob Berry with 62.

Brendon Lovett won the cup with 82 points, with Rob Berry in second place with 76 and third was Malcolm Summers with 74.