THE first mixed competition of the year at Cirencester Golf Club highlighted the strength in depth among members, writes Danny Hall.

No fewer than 58 of the 83 entries scored 30 points or more in the opening Winter Mixed Stableford of 2018.

Top of the pile was Mark Jameson with 41 points off his six handicap, laying down a marker early with birdies on the third, fifth and sixth.

Mark had also made the podium in the Winter Mixed Stableford back in November.

A point behind, and separated on countback, were Gareth Noyes (40), James Bathurst (40) and Peter Crawford (40). In fifth and sixth places respectively, on their scores of 39 points, were David Walters and Chris Yeates.

Sam Mitchell was the leading lady golfer on 37 points.

Bathurst was compensated for his near-miss by bagging two birdie twos on the 2nd and the 13th. Ken Russell matched him on the 9th and 13th.

Other twos were scored by: Yeates (2nd), Nick Brown (9th), Tom Waller (9th), Kevin Read (13th), Chris Bruton (18th), John Morris (18th) and Paul Thompson (18th).