Ayr and Pool Competition 14 December

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The walk

There was rain in the air as we left Rex’s for the Burns Centre to partake of coffee and scones. Before we got too comfortable the order was given to leave and so we set off along the old railway line, crossing the Doon and heading out to Dunure Road. By the time we got there it was really wet but, undaunted, we crossed the road and headed up the track to Greenan Farm Cottages and turned right towards Greenan Road. This was not a day for a detour down to the beach at Greenan Castle or for sightseeing, not that there was much to see in the December gloom.
Crossing over the river again at the Millennium Bridge we made our way up to Park’s Honda Garage, crossed the main road and walked up Greenfield Avenue. Not for long though, as a detour was made into Belleisle Park for a visit to the refurbished conservatory. After blethering to the folks on duty, it was back to Greenfield Avenue and up to Burns Cottage at which point we crossed over and were back at Rex’s, well drookit, at ten to one.

The pool

As usual, the pool competition was most entertaining. Robert was true to type and went out early having inadvertently sank the black. The lawman, new to the competition, showed signs of a misspent youth before also going out in a similar manner, and Malcolm demonstrated how to play ‘sink the white’. Eventually Johnny and Davie reached the final with Davie going from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, often within the same shot. Indeed, one of his shots in his semi was probably the shot of the day. However, despite having the opportunity to win the final on a couple of occasions, he blew it and Johnny held his nerve to win the competition. Well done!
Many thanks again to Rex for his hospitality and organising the pies, to those who brought the drinks and nibbles, and to Dougie’s wife for helping him make the mince pies!
(Despite reservations about whether we could manage it, the three dozen pies were all eaten. They were cooked to perfection, although Johnny reckoned the second batch was a few degrees too warm. It didn’t stop him eating them though!)

It was a pity that the previous winner, Davie C, couldn’t make the event this year due to his injury. We wish Davie all the best for a speedy recovery after surgery and hope to see him soon. Your presents, presence, Davie, is missed! Robert has agreed to collect your fiver each week and we remind you that, if you are not back soon, you will have to undergo the initiation ceremony again!