THERE have been definite signs of spring at Thurlestone with skylarks singing above the 11th, the resident pheasants busy courting a couple of holes further on and Devon violets peeping out from the rough on the 18th — but with that nasty east wind still biting through long johns and gauntlets (writes Lincoln Shaw).

Cold hands sent many shots astray in the ladies' February stableford, producing winning scores that would have been well out of contention on warmer days.

Only hole-in-one specialist Jan Brooking turned in a below-par card. No ace this time, but her 38 points won a comfortable first place in Division One.

Captain Sue Esplin was runner-up with 34 points and Wendy Laud came third with 29.

In Division Two Liz Sharman notched up another success to lead the field with 29 points. She was one ahead of Yvonne Pike, who edged out Sally Rossiter on countback.

Division Three players struggled even more and Jane Pope's modest 26 points were enough to take first place, two clear of Mary Johnson and Kay Morley.

Another day, a different climate. The final of the ladies' Winter Foursomes Knockout was played in perfect weather and only a light breeze.

It resulted in a win for Wendy Laud (5) and Sally Rossiter (23) who defeated Jenny Roberts (2) and Heather Spencer (23) 3&2.