RS XI - The Vale, South Wales

Champion: RICHIE JONES (27 points)

Runners up: Rich Aylmer & Matt Noonan

Competitors: 12

Challenge Winner: Stu Ervine (29 points)

Bag o'shite awarded to: Paul Henderson (12 points)

Pairs winners: Andy Henderson & Jose Lourtie

RS XI had a tough act to follow after the success of RS X in La Manga. The defending champion, Chris Ellerker, when he discovered that RS XI was to be held in Wales, announced that he would not be defending his title due to a long held policy of never going to Wales. No further explanation was forthcoming.

Day one was notable for a three way play off in the pairs. Two of the pairs put their tee shot on the green. Richie Jones could barely contain his disgust when his partner Stu Ervine put his in the bunker. When Rob Lee-Davey missed his birdie putt it was down to Jose Lourtie from ten feet to seal it, which he did with some aplomb, giving him a second pairs win and Andy Henderson his third.

Rim Stinger XI was notable for exceptional low scoring, even by RS standards, with the winning score coming in at just 27. However, it is these down-in-the-dirt gritty scraps that Richie Jones really excels in and he duly held on to win his second Rim Stinger, the first to do so. In fact, it was just like old times with Richard Aylmer squandering the opportunity to tie on the last after missing a short putt.

To view the montage from Rim Stinger XI follow this link - https://goo.gl/dJWwvN