After receiving a bye in the first round, Stoke by Nayland were drawn to play away at Wanstead golf club.

The previous weeks practice rounds had been played on a very wet course, with recently treated greens and fairways that were barely distinguishable from the rough, however a week later and we were looking at a much improved course.

We had a lovely reception from General Manager Danielle Day, who some of you may remember as Danni Anderson, who was one of the teaching professionals at SbN not so long ago.

It was soon made clear that the Stoke team had a difficult match on their hands when they saw how many shots they were giving the opposition.

Played in handicap order, Tony Denmead was first out giving 4 shots to his partner and despite having a difficult round and four down with five to play recorded a magnificent half point for the team.

Second out was Andy Higginson (giving away 5 shots), who had a very close game and despite an excellent par on the difficult 18th came up one short and first point to Wanstead.

Play off man, if needed, Tony Carman (another 5 shots given) five up through 10, only to be pegged back to 1 after the 15th eventually came good to win 2 & 1.

Mike Webley came next giving away seven shots, played some excellent golf coming in with another 2 & 1 win.

Roger Fleuty followed giving six shots, the match ebbed and flowed with only two halved holes. Roger winning the last to halve the match.

Pete Garnett, gave away seven shots and despite being ahead for the majority of the match slipped back towards the end of the round, but held on for a half after his partner four putted from around 15 feet on the last.

Bill Wardle, another seven shots given, was in command from the off, playing some excellent golf, coming in with the best win of the match 4 & 3.

Kevin Price’s opponent was grateful for the seven shots he was being given in order to keep up with the distance Kevin was hitting his drives. However one up coming to the last, Kevin couldn’t resist the Driver one more time and came unstuck when hitting a tree and being unable to find his ball. However the ½ point was enough to give us the five points needed for victory.

Last man out in the match was Mike Clare, who despite a gallant effort found that the seven shots being given was just too many.

Match win 5 – 4

Dave Seymour travelled as reserve and played the 18 holes with the Wanstead Captain Paul Siggins.

Wanstead were excellent hosts and our thanks go to Paul & Danielle for their hospitality and to all the players for a competitive match played in very friendly manner.

Many thanks to Team Manager, Norman Davidson, who produced this report on todays match

Team ....………

     Tony Denmead

     Andy Higginson

     Tony Carman

     Mike Webley

     Roger Fleuty

     Peter Garnett

     Bill Wardle

     Kevin Price

     Mike Clare

Reserve

     Dave Seymour