After a delayed start, due to an early morning mist, the match eventually got under way 70 minutes late:

Match 1 - Pete Robins and Tony Denmead. Won 6 & 5

SBN got off to a quick start and were soon dormie seven down to excellent leadership from Captain Pete. Colchester then won their first hole, but the match was all but over and was closed out at 6&5

Match 2 - John Parkinson and Kevin Price. Won 8 & 7

A successful pairing, that was never in any trouble and didn’t lose the honour. Being 6 up at the turn, the match was closed off on the 11th. Highlights were birdies on 2, 8 & 9 for John. Very long putts holed by Kevin on 6 & 15 for par. (Index 1 & 2). A great match, with delightful company and played with a super spirit.

Match 3 - Ian McKay and John Jardine. Halved

SBN won the first hole, but struggled throughout the remainder of the front 9, finishing 3 down at the turn. (Partly due to giving 20 shots!) SBN however , came back strongly  on the back 9, to earn an honourable half. A very enjoyable and pleasant match.

Match 4 - Graham Vandervord and Ray Ludlam. Won 1 up

The writing was on the wall for a difficult day when Ray hit the pin from 100 yards, with the ball bouncing away. His putt then hit the pin, but suffered the same fate. This was all on the first hole! It was tough game that GV kept neck and neck. Ray however, won the last 2 holes to leave SBN 1 up.

Match 5 - Peter Jay and Steve Ling. Lost 5 & 3

SBN struggled to contain 2 ex club Captains who were hitting the ball exceptionally well. Although Stoke limited the deficit to 1 hole after 8, 2 birdies from the hosts on 9 & 10 set the scene for the back 9. SBN finished losing 5 & 3. ‘A tough day at the office!’

Match 6 - Neil Ashwell and Adrian Cherry. Lost 4 & 2

The game was even up to the 6th hole, but then the hosts got themselves 2 ahead. Adrian pulled one back on 9, with a superb eagle. The game then stayed at 1 down for some while until Colchester won a further 3 holes in quick succession, to win 4 & 2.

Match 7 - Peter Hele and Brian Roloff. Lost 1 down.

A fantastic match, nip and tuck all the way. The last 5 holes were halved, however, Colchester remained 1 up at the death. Brian Roloff played magnificently!

Match 8  - Dick Lumsden and John Gove. Won 1 up.

With Dick and John (sounds like a primary school reading book!) both playing off the same handicap, they had to concede 9 shots to their opponents! Despite this, they were never behind in their match. Twice, they were 2 up, but were pegged back; once with a birdie 2, when Andrew Crayston put it to 6 inches from the pin. Teeing up on the 18th, the match was all square, but it came down to Dick’s 6 foot putt, for par, to, not only win  their match,  but to complete a superb  away victory for  SBN           4 ½ - 3 ½. A true Ryder Cup moment.

Result:  Colchester 3½ - Stoke by Nayland 4½

Many thanks to Kevin Price for this report on todays successful day @ Colchester.