Doug Jones reporting

Old Ben Tony Appathurai showed his excellent form with the clubs when he returned winner of the Sydney Bens Golf Champioship shield on Rosnay Golf course in Auburn on August 16.

This was Tony's second consecutive win of the shield. He was also over-all winner on the day with Peter James pitching to a well-earned second.

On a glorious Sydney winter's morning nine enthusiastic golfers (both Old Bens and loyal supporters) took stance at the 5-par at this well-cared for and busy course.

The first carts off the rank were the egrigious foursome of Allan Koelmeyer, Hysworth LaFaber, Cliff Harvie and Russel Wickramasinghe. They set a hectic pace with Allan notching up individual achievements of Nearest-the-pin on the 6 th and Chip & Drive on the ambiguous 14 th as well as providing the best stroke play score on the 15 th - hardest hole on the course.

Teeing off next was the youthful threesome consisting of Tony Appathurai, Ciff Willenberg and Royce Rebeira who, in unison, produced some of their best drives, chips and putting skills to the envy of everybody else (including your gullible reporter ordered by his doctor not to even pick up a golf ball until his say so –hope that will be tomorrow) while Peter James and Freddie Herft made up the twosome that followed. Royce revealed his driving skills with a fine Nearest-the-pin on the enticing par-3 16 th as Peter James kept the pace with his usual easy-going flair all through. It was Peter's determined can-do approach to the game he's passionate about that put him second overall runner-up on the day.

The organisers thank Old Ben Harold Christie-David and Cliff Harvie (of Harvie & Harvie Real Estate) for their generous donations of valuable prizes and to Dean Reynor (Rosnay Pro-Shop) “Thanks mate, for all your assistance as always”.

Click here to view an album of photos taken by Doug Jones