On probably the barmiest (or is it balmiest?) day of the year , no wind to speak of (Lionel wasn't playing) we took on the gorgeous London overspill town of Haverhill.

Match 1.
Acting Captain Cork and Pete Hele were 3 up after 4 with a birdie from Corky on the 4th. The opposition fought back to 1 down at the turn...our pair got mad and won 10,11,12 & 13 and closed out on the 15th. winning 5 & 3

Match 2.
Bob Filer (writer) and Andy Cracknell excitingly halved the first 7 holes. Crackers described the early holes as "untidy". Bob missed a birdie putt on 8 having won a stunning bottle of 1961 Red Nun for nearest the pin. Anyway, ups and downs led to a 2 up win for Stoke, helped by a fine birdie from Andy on 15.

Match 3.
Phil Brennan and Iain Gault knew they were in trouble when the 30 h'capper nailed a 20ft. putt...but boys got back to A/S on 18th. Allegedly one of the Haverhill lads talked more than Lionel....( you brought it on yourself pal )

Match 4.
Paul from Sheffield and Richard the scooter Middleton won 3 & 2 and was a case of when Paul's lessons failed him, Richard mopped up.

Match 5.
The A/S result for David Drew and Mick Henry was due to never being ahead, and at 2 down with 3 to play David parred 16, Mick's epic bunker shot on 17 won that, and as nobody could putt on 18 thought the result spot on.

Match 6.
Kevin Walsh and Brian Roloff enjoyed their game apparently, but losing 3 &2 hurt, and apart from some whinging about shots being given away, could not catch the foe...ce la vie...

Match 7.
Alan Line and our newish member Simon Merrion got themselves a 2 &1 win. Alan's 2 on 18 (their 2nd.hole) helped them move on to a 4 hole lead. The back 9 saw this whittled away to 2 up with 3 to play, but was good enough!

Match 8.
Dick Lumsden and Richard Allen got the 1st hole in the bag, but alas, free fall occurred for our lads losing 5 in a row, but a steadied ship led to only a 1 down result.

A great day for our new VC Graham to find his feet admirably.
Result 5 3 to Stoke

Many thanks to Sir Bob for reporting on todays match against Haverhill on Constable.