Another trip down to deepest Essex for the third round match in this year’s John Day Trophy. This time the destination was Romford Golf Club, where a warm welcome was waiting for the boys from SbN.

The conditions were perfect for an afternoon’s golf, blue sky and sunshine (and searing heat).

Leading the team out was Tony Carman, hot off his excellent round in the Seniors Club Championship the previous day.

A lost ball off the first tee did not bode well, however a gladiatorial battle ensued over the next 17 holes with each player taking their turn to forge ahead. Eventually it came down to the tricky 18th, where a half finished the match all square.

Tony Denmead was next out in match 2 and despite the distance Tony was achieving with something less than driver,it was not enough to prevent our first loss against some very steady opposition, succumbing to a 4 & 2 defeat.

This unfortunately set the tone for the next five matches and despite some spirited performances from our players, it was not enough to avoid consecutive defeats.

Steve Tree losing 3 & 2

Roger Fleuty losing 3 & 2

Mike Webley losing 5 & 4

Pete Garnett losing 6 & 4

And Kevin Price losing 5 & 3

Next in was the final two ball, match 9 with Peter Jay (a late replacement) achieving our only win of the day finishing on the 15th with a magnificent 4 & 3 victory.

This left match 8 still out on the course, with Mike Clare having had a torrid start and deciding to dispense with the services of his driver. Once safely tucked up in his bag, Mike took about clawing his way back into contention with the 3 wood coming alive. Mike’s opponent was relying heavily on his caddie’s advice, reading lines on the green and giving distances and this further spurred Mike on to an amazing recovery, eventually finishing on the 18th all square and a ½ point in the match.

Final Result Romford 7 Stoke by Nayland 2

Not the result we were hoping for, but never the less a great effort from our boys and my thanks goes to them all.

A well earned drink followed with the victors and the Captain’s thanked the teams for the manner in which both teams competed, congratulating the winners and wishing them well in the next round.

Many thanks to Norman Davidson, Team Captain for both this report and leading the team so well - very much appreciated.