Joint Second: John Martin and Robert Andlaw, 35 points, £3 each
Front 9: David Reynolds, 19 points, £5
Back 9: Mike Crofts, 19 points, £5
Especially at this time of year the rough is an unpleasant place to find one's ball but unfortunately you must play it as it lies if no other mitigating circumstances come into play. You may remove loose impediments such as leaves, cut grass, sticks etc. but you must not cause your ball to move, stamp down the long grass around your ball or tamp it down or move it aside with your club prior to taking your shot. You may lightly rest your club behind and in front of the ball only.
On some occasions you may need to identify that the ball is yours and you can roll the ball slightly to one side and then return it to achieve this. In the unlikely event that is insufficient you must mark your ball and pick it up to identify it. You may not clean it and you must place it back in the same spot without improving your lie.
Breaches of these rules are subject to a one shot penalty.
If you cannot find your ball or it goes out of bounds (and there are no other mitigating circumstances), including in the hedge, it is a 1 stroke plus distance penalty. So taking a provisional is wise to avoid having to walk back. The alternative is to blob the hole. The lakes are an exception in that you can take a 1 shot penalty and drop a ball in line with the hole and point of entry into the lake.
These are basic rules that everyone should know. This is just a resume to keep us all on a level playing field. If I have made a mistake or you wish further clarification please ask The Boss who will either know the answer or take further advice.