EX-BRIDPORT footballers from bygone years were reunited at Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club last week.

Bees from the 20th century played a round of golf and were joined by a dozen other ex-players at the 19th hole to share memories and reminisce over past glories.

The oldest participant was Martin Radcliffe who made his debut for the Bees as a young winger in 1959 and was a Bees regular for many seasons.

Teammates of Radcliffe’s playing days included Barry Murless, John Greig, Gary Paull and Ray Violet who were there to welcome him in after his round.

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The ex-players, mainly from the seventies, eighties and nineties, played in a stableford ‘secret pairs’ competition with the winning duo being Don McAllister and Alan Newey who narrowly beat Mike Savage and Ashley Chant into second place.

Newey played in successful Bridport sides in the Western League during the late seventies before a broken leg ended his playing career.

Steve Crabb and Kelvin ‘Basher’ Dawe, who both had distinguished playing careers for the Bees in the seventies and eighties, came third.

Mike Savage was also closest to the pin on the signature par-three sixth hole.

Current Bees manager Chris Herbst accepted an invitation to rub shoulders with Bridport heroes of the past while incumbent chairman Adrian Scadding congratulated the winners and presented the prizes.

After the golf, the veterans gathered to exaggerate their past successes and reflect over many happy and successful years in the red shirt.

Former player and manager Geoff Joy, event organiser, said: “The day was a great success with players from six decades meeting up to rekindle old friendships and have great fun remembering past glories and sharing stories.

“A big thank you to everyone at Bridport Golf Club who made us so welcome.

“The course was in great condition and even the weather was kind to us with sunshine replacing the rain of previous days.”