An unusual start to the day, not because of the early morning chill but the fact that at tee off time SbN only had 15 players. This was not the fault of our super efficient match secretary....more on this later.

MATCH 1 - Pete Robins/Bob Filer... Lost 1 down

A very close match, played in excellent spirit which seemed to seesaw for the entire 18 holes. 3 birdies on the front 9 from Haverhill was finally pulled back with SbN going to 18 only 1 down. The match, however was lost despite some excellent golf from both teams.

MATCH 2 - Andy Cracknell/Kevin Price... Lost 3&2

Andy & Kevin were behind from the start & sadly never managed to pull back level thanks to some solid golf from Haverhill's Stuart who they were giving 17 shots to.

Congratulations to Kevin for winning the SbN nearest the pin with a stunning shot.

MATCH 3 - Alan Line/Phil Boyland...Match Halved

This was a very tight match being nip & tuck for the entire round.

Congratulations to Alan for making great use of the bridge for his 2nd shot on 15 & rolling it to within 20 feet of the pin. Congratulations to Phil for driving to the greenside bunker at the 1st & for not killing anyone in the process. It's unclear whether those putting out at the time needed to return to the clubhouse to change their trousers !!

MATCH 4 - Peter Hele/Ray Ludlam... Lost 7&5

Pete & Ray found themselves 6 down after 7. Pete's painkillers kicked in for his bad back and the SbN boys managed to keep defeat at bay for a little longer, but admitted that they were never really in this match... I guess that proves that West Ham & Spurs really don't gel too well.

MATCH 5 - Phil Brennan/Dick Lumsden... Match Halved

This was a very close match with only ever 1 hole in it. The match swung both ways (it is 2022) & it was all square through 13. SbN slipped behind with 2 to play but a concession on 17 after the klaxon for inclement weather earned Phil & Dick the half they deserved.

MATCH 6 - Mike Moore/David Drew... Lost 5&4

Having seen Haverhill chip in for a win at the 2nd it rather set the tone for the match. Mike & David enjoyed their match but felt they were outplayed on the day.

MATCH 7 - Paul Sheffield/Andy Higginson... Lost 6&4

Finally we get to the saga of the elusive team member. Paul battled superbly on his own for the1st 9 holes. Andy joined the match half way through having decided to drive to Halesworth instead of Haverhill. Great call by me having turned down Andy's offer of a lift. Congratulations to Andy for being awarded a bar of Aero for the longest drive of the day !!!

MATCH 8 - Trevor Waterhouse/Phil Hickley... Won 1 up

A very close match with never more than 2 in it. The match was abandoned on 17 due to the weather with SbN 1 up at the time. SbN invited Haverhill to halve the match, but they sportingly declined.

Congratulations to Phil & Trevor on the only win of the day.

The match was lost 6 - 2, but was most enjoyable with excellent hospitality. The course was in good condition and I would recommend it to those who haven't played it.

Many thanks indeed to Andy Cracknell for his report on todays match