Match 1 Capt Pete Robins and Pete Garnett - Match halved

The SbN team were 3 down after 4 holes, giving up 9 shots overall to opponent Geoff who used them very well. After an heroic battling performance, the Stoke team went one up on 16 only to give up their advantage with a short missed putt on 17. The 18th was halved with Capt Pete's par 3 matched by Geoff's 4 net 3 to complete an enjoyable match.

Match 2 Phil Hickley and Richard Middleton - Won 3 & 2

The Stoke team dovetailed very well in a thoroughly enjoyable match and despite giving away 16 shots they only lost one hole throughout. Many clutch-putts were holed by the SbN team, including Richard's 10ft second putt on the 15th for a win which completely took the wind out of the sails of the BV team.

Match 3 John Williams and Dick Lumsden - Lost 2 & 1

A high quality match with the hosts playing a better ball 5 over par gross but still finishing on the wrong side of the result. For the opponents, a high-handicapper played out of his skin. Quote of the day, "When you play against God with a 29 handicap you normally lose." And so it proved. 

Match 4 Malcolm Norton and Brian Willsher - Lost 3 & 2

After taking an early one-up lead on the second, the hosts struggled (often from the tee). They were not helped by opponent Peter using his laser sharp 4 iron to good effect; on his only duffed hole his partner came in with a par. The disconsolate Stoke pair reflected afterwards, "The only positive we can offer is that it didn't rain."

Match 5 Ian McKay and John Jardine - Lost 2 & 1

A close match with the hosts only edged out after both missed hole-able putts on both 16 & 17. The BV team played exceptionably well around the turn with one of the opponents playing 9, 10 & 11 in one under par gross (with shots!) The first trick shot of the match from one of the BV team was a back-handed pitch shot from the rough on hole 4 to good effect. 

Match 6 Alan Finlayson and Mike Moore - Won 4 & 3

Many thanks to Alan for stepping in at the last moment to play - not only that but he was the stand-out player in the match. (Pity he didn't have his team colours on! - only joking. Ed)

Match 7 Roger Davies and Mal Jones - Won 6 & 4

After a par/birdie start, the Stoke team were off to a flyer only to be brought down to earth by BV Bill's birdie 3 (net 2) on the 3rd hole, stroke index 1. However the Stoke pair romped through in the end to record a commanding victory with both pairs commenting on the (excellent) condition of the course.

Match 8 Robin Nicholson and Tony Carman - Won 8 & 6

The tone was set for this high-quality match when the BV team chipped in for a par 4 on the first only for Tony to roll his putt in for a birdie 3. In a dominating performance, the Stoke team didn't lose a hole in the entire match, were 6 up at the turn, closing out the match by winning both 10 and 11. Despite being on the wrong end of a thumping, the BV team were great company and enjoyed the game.

Nearest the pin (8th) - Mike Moore

Lunch - Cottage pie, Cheddar Mash and veg which was excellent.

Many thanks to Phil Hickley for his reporting of todays match.

Team …………