Match 1 - Graham Cork (Capt.) & David Humphreys - Lost 5&4

David had the pleasure of partnering with Graham in the first group out. However, the pair embarked on the dubious strategy of taking and falling foul of the out of bounds on several holes. Not the best day with their putters either, however Graham’s dry wit was a joy to behold under the circumstances.

Match 2 - Peter Jay & Malcolm Norton - Won 1 up

Malcolm has not lost some of his old magic and proved the difference in this very tight encounter, with the SbN team never behind. Peter scratched around, he tried hard though, a bit like Ipswich last season.

Match 3 - Tony Denmead & Nick Wright - Lost 1 Down

Not a great start to the match, with Tony & Nick finding themselves 4 down after the first 6 holes. However, they fought back well, losing on the very last hole (18th). Some similarity with last week’s home match against Colchester it seems, with Tony and yours truly. Bad luck Tony!

Match 4 - Ian McKay & Richard Allen - Won 3&2

A tall order for Brett Vale here as they were one man down in this match, but he had the local wildlife on his side. On the 4th, Ian was attacked by a goose and tried to nab Ian’s ball. Our plucky duo managed to distract it by getting the goose to chase after Richard while Ian successfully retrieved his ball. Not golf as we know it, but they held on comfortably enough in the end.

Match 5 - John Parkinson & Stuart Lawson -Lost 5&4

A bad day at the office today from our illustrious duo, unable to get to grips with the firm, fast greens. They were 4 down after 9 holes, clawing their way back to 2 down at one point, before Brett Vale’s 22 handicap bandit finished them off.

Match 6 - Simon Merriam & Mick Henry - Lost 2&1

This was a very close game with neither team gaining more than a one shot lead through the majority of the match. It was back to all square after 15 holes, but Brett Vale then went ahead again, before closing out 2 up with one to play. Their putting ability was the difference on the day.

Match 7 - Tony Carmen & Ian Bickers - Won 6&5

Tony was on fire today hitting 4 birdies, without leaving any feathers behind. Ian was on the receiving end of 16 shots. As generous as ever, he was very happy to give most of them back. Tony was playing so well they didn’t need them anyway.

Match 8 - Phil Boyland & Kevin Walsh - Lost 2&1

Beaten by the better team here. Brett Vale decided on demon putter Barry Root in this match, who managed to net an Eagle, sorry a net Eagle, and 3 birdies. 4 down with 4 to play, was reduced to 2 down before yet another 30 putt closed it out.

It was a lovely day for golf today. The course was in good condition, preferred lies were little needed, the greens were quite fast and firm, but ran true. The bunkers were the best I’ve seen in a long while, with some financial contribution supplied by members I understand. Top marks to the greenkeepers, only 4 of them apparently. There were lots of comments about enjoyable matches and good company. My first visit to Brett Vale has left a very favourable impression with me.