You would be forgiven for thinking the Gods were against it.

First of all deciding on the concept -would members want to be involved? -How do the teams get evenly decided? All rules to be applied fully?

It was heralded as an opportunity for newer members, and those that have not participated in competitions to experience what they are like, all in the comfort of our own home and have a bit of fun besides.

Then finding a date - on a normal Saturday play day.- it was changed twice and in the end it was still on a day before another competition. So big hurrahs for those players that did compete the next day.

Yes, a week out and the weather forecast was not looking the best. As we got closer the call was made for an optional opt out. The huge risk here was that those more timid of competition, the exact ones we wanted to be involved, might drop out.

However, come the Start time, we had 33 players ready to rise to the occasion. Rex did take the option of standing down to be the Umpy as well as to even the numbers - much to Mark Rafferty’s dismay , I think.

I few hiccoughs with the computer made for a short delay too. But all sorted soon enough and with one more glance at the weather radar, the players moved out into what was starting to be referred to as "The Lakes District". At least it was not Cold nor windy.

The rules do say, as long as the coche is not floating, play can continue. How to mark the coche though when is in a pond is a task on it’s own.

It may still be the have been the Spring Racing season, but our "fashions on the field" were indeed something to behold. Dork suits were everywhere. Billie was mistaken at one stage, as a wayward around the world sailor, in her outfit. But the winner must have been Thracy. His cleaning cloth on his head, under an umbrella. Wearing shorts and an Hawaiian shirt., was almost too much to take in at once.

The umpire was needed but just a few times. The $10 note that was offered from one player, was seen as an absolute insult to the Umpire’s reputation. He expects nothing less than a $20 as a minimum starting point.

Two games played and then a break for lunch. Around the tables there was a genuine feeling of camaraderie by these Weekend Warriors. Almost champing at the bit to get out there and battle on.

And they did. Expertly. Elegently and Enduringly. Although I’m not sure if you could call Damien’s swimming style across the pistes at the end of the day any of those

The inaugural winners of the competition were Billy & Kathy. But the major winners were the Club. The players. And Bob & Paul for making it such a huge success.

It proves that game can be played in inclement conditions and still be enjoyed. It may be a little more challenging but still very much worth the effort.

Thank you again to Bob & Paul. It would be fantastic if we could get 4 a year of these games.