The Autumn Shield equals autumnal weather and in damp conditions after a dry September the greens were more receptive on Sunday at Ramsey. With a large field on the course it was not surprising that the day could favour higher handicappers. Saying that, Colin Taylor, Sean Cunningham and David Kinrade had a real go at posting a score. David Kinrade’s 37 after a birdie on the 5th was steady golf and only a dropped shot on the 17th kept him out of the prizes. He shared the same score as Paul Morris who, despite a birdie on the 5th lost out after double bogies on the 14th and 16th. Also on 37 was Tony White and you wouldn’t bet against him getting in the winners enclosure with birdies on the 6th and 16th, only to fall at the final hurdle with a 5 on the 18th. Ian Craine continued with his steady form only to be outdone by a sucker punch 7 on the 14th and a dropped shot on the 7th for 37 points. David Dean completed the line up on 37 after a disaster on the 12th and fine recovery on the 13th but just letting it slip with a 4 on the 18th. Just edging this group were Sean Cunningham and Colin Taylor on 38. Colin made the early running after Sean dropped a shot on the opening hole and the 5th whilst Colin birdied the 4th and 9th and took a 2 point lead onto the 10th tee. Going steady enough Colin dropped shots on the 12th and 15th and fell back into Sean’s sights. Both Colin and Sean needed a score on the 18th to get a top 3 finish. Sean didn’t quite make the green and finished with a 4 and lost out on count back to Colin Taylor for 3rd place.

First and second was a tight finish on count back after some excellent scoring from Jim Anderson and Stan Ryzak who both managed 42 points. Stan’s opening hole was completely forgettable and he was playing catch-up straight away. Jim on the other hand had a steady start paring the 3rd through to 6th holes and picking up points all the way to reach the turn just ahead of Stan Ryzak. The back 9 was a tricky affair with a double bogey on the 14th, and a dropped shot on the 15th followed by a crucial no score on the par 4, 16th for Jim Anderson. Stan Ryzak now had the chance to nudge ahead and a 4 point scoring par on the 15th was invaluable. But Stan he also found the 16th tricky with a double bogey. As ever it comes down to the closing holes at Ramsey and a par on the 17th gave Stan the necessary points to secure 1st place on count back from Jim. So this week it was Stan the man! Next week is the final competition of the summer season with the Masters and Rabbits.