THE Vale Golf Club seniors played for the annual Summer Challenge Trophies.

In a yellow tee medal, Jim Rushworth (7 handicap) picked up both cups with a gross score of one-over-par 74 for the International course and 68 nett.

The runners-up among 94 players were Bob Foster, Steve Kirby, Brian Sidaway, John Bragg, Mike Hird, Mike Roberts, Ray Jakeman, Les Cosnett and Brian Brumhead.

There were four winners in the twos competition — Foster, Ron Andrews, John Turner and John Davis.

The Vale seniors lost 5-3 at Stratford Oaks despite early wins for David Rimell and Roberts, Roger Hawes and David Aylesbury, and Mick Heard and Tony Perryman.

The second of four senior open competitions, an am-am, was held at Bishampton on a perfect summer day.

There were 160 competitors, with 25 clubs from around the region being represented.

Early pacemakers were the experienced The Vale grouping of Rob Sharp, Rushworth, Tony Hampson and Andrews, who set a target of 90 points.

The Vale’s Heard, Martin Holland, Mick Lewis and Roberts posted 91 to take second place but the visitors claimed the main prize.

Graham Bilsland, Stewart Fairweather (Stonebridge), Andrew Mangrett (Ansty) and Fred Sommers (Burton) won with 92.

There were 11 winners of the twos competition, while nearest the pin were Allan Murdoch (Leamington) and Gerry Clayton (The Vale).

A pairs open will be at The Vale on July 27 with a mixed am on September 7.

Meanwhile, 43 The Vale ladies played a medal round in good conditions.

Margaret Houlcroft dropped her handicap as she won the Copper Division with 100-29=71 ahead of Pearl Winchester (112-34=78) and Kath Hudders (109-29=80).

The Silver Division went to Shelagh Inglis (91-17=74) followed by Janet Ledbury (93-19=74) and Audrey Sidwell (93-18=75).

Julie Newman topped the Bronze Division with 102-26=76 in front of Jan Garratt (98-21=77) and Debbie Langham (99-21=78).

There was also a Stableford nine-hole qualifier on the Lenches course.  Barbara Carruthers won with 16 points on countback from Candy Buchan.