The scores were very impressive, considering the BOM predicted a storm was brewing. But that report was a beat-up ... just a bit of froth and no substance. Like a sad beer that's been left out in the sun.
Speaking of beer, it's one of the oldest beverages known to modern man (post neolithic period, so even older than our senior Friday Club committee Members).
According to Professor Sarah Bond (Uni of Iowa), it was first brewed by the ancient Sumerians, the super smart guys who, 5000 years ago, put the sapiens in homo sapiens). They are credited with inventing the wheel, irrigation, writing and mathematics.
They also invented telling the time so they could tell when they were late for their tee-time (a sin, even in those days).
However, having discovered they had some time to spare, they embarked on their most important invention, ale. Other smart ancient civilizations, like the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Chinese loved the stuff and rejoiced.
Strangely enough the Romans didn't like it and preferred wine. The Roman historian Tacitus, writing in the first Century CE, described beer as "inferior to wine and a drink for barbarians" ... what a crusty old toga-wearing snob!
It was popular, not only because it brightened up dull poetry reading recitals, but because it was good for you. In those days, drinking water wasn't always hygienic (could be a bit polluted) but beer was brewed and germ-free.
One player who doesn't need beer to survive poetic pentameter parties is Greg Heathcote (he doesn't go to them). But he does enjoy the odd ale or two, particularly after notching the equal top score of the day, an eye-watering 44 for our final competition for September.
Greg's score despite, or possibly because of his "power fade of faith", helped put daylight between him and Alan Graham, whose 36 secured second place in division three last Friday.
Not to be outdone, relative newcomer Frank Turner, matched Greg's 44 with the same score in division two. Frank had 24 points on the back nine!
Inspired by the spirits of the ancient Sumerians, he was seen celebrating in the time-honoured way in the clubhouse with playing partner Laurie McCourt. Welcome to the Friday Club winner's circle Frank!
Sally Hill, who's known to be partial to the occasional beer herself, was second with a very commendable 39.
Sally's boot-scooting partner, Steven Hill, was also able to raise a glass after his very commendable 37 points in division one (the home of ancient history scholars). Sadly for him, he was edged out by the professor of strategy, Michael Smiles, who returned the same score but won on countback. Michael drinks only locally brewed crafty beer.
Unfortunately, there was no competition last Friday due to rain.
Perry Yeldham | Friday Club President
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