John O'Gaunt Golf Club Seniors Section: Jock Allan Prostate Cancer Charity Day April 15 2024

Prostate Project Ambassador Colin Stokes presents winners Malcolm Roberts and Robert Beaumont with the new Jock Allan Trophy, the first time it has been played for

There was a shotgun start at 9am ... and by the time the players had reached their first green there was an altogether different sound - loud claps of thunder accompanied by hailstones which sent the 88 drenched players heading back to the clubhouse wondering whether the Jock Allan Prostate Cancer Charity Day would be cancelled.

But as the entrants compared weather notes over coffee the storm passed over and off we went again to pick up from where we left off ... pity those who had trudged to the farthest reaches of the Carthagena twice!

Soon enough the sun was shining, although the wind was gusting up to 46mph, making for very challenging conditions.

Despite the weather there were some respectable scores and the winners, Malcolm Roberts and Malcolm Beaumont came home with 42 points, playing fourball betterball format.

In second place, on 41 points, were Ian Riches and Andy Brown and in third, also on 41 but beaten on countback were Kevin Gray and John Wall.

As the scores came in on IG Jim Kerr and Tony Goodson had a commanding lead with 93 points ... until it was discovered that Jim had entered his stableford points rather than gross scores, making it look as if he had scored six holes-in-one!

After a hearty meal of sausage and mash followed by apple crumble and custard, the online Galabid auction gathered pace with those present, and others at home, outbidding each other for the many fourball vouchers on offer.

Then came the presentation of prizes including the newly-donated Jock Allan Trophy, which was won by Malcolm Roberts and Robert Beaumont, the first to get their names on the shield.

Accepting the award, Malcolm praised the work of the Prostate Project and revealed that he was "living proof" that early detection of prostate cancer saves lives as he had been diagnosed with the disease 17 years ago and, because it was caught in time, was still here to tell the tale.

The event raising a whopping £5,400 for the Prostate Project plus another £500 generously donated by the late Jock Allan's family.