Convened at Newton fairly early & commenced with a 2 tee start, which the later starters considered a great idea.

We managed to not only miss the early morning rain, but also the early afternoon downpour which resulted in a number of damp looking golfers scurrying for cover.

Match was lost 4.5 to 3.5, however, as pointed out by Captain Pete, the aggregate was a win for SBN due to a 6-2 home win.

SBN nearest the pin winner – Steve Mitchell.

Enjoyable day had by all (as usual), with some very close matches, a number of which went down the last.

Match 1: Pete Robins & Ian McKay

Result: 2 down

A closely fought match which went down to the last 2 putts, which unfortunately for SBN went the wrong way.

The Captain started well, hitting the road on the first & securing a half. He kindly left it to Ian to keep securing halves until SBN went 1 down, when the Captain sprang to life parring stroke index 2. 

There was never more than 1 hole in it till the last.

Match 2: Colin Dallas & Roger Davies

Result: 1 down

Roger & Colin managed to keep on the tail on Newton throughout, even though a birdie wasn’t good enough to even secure a half. SBN never managed to get back level, mainly due to Colin’s poor putting said his partner, but took in to the last hole before eventually losing 1 down. Regardless of result, good day had by all, in good company.

Roger is now seeking a good dentist after much teeth grinding, whilst Colin returns to losing ways.

Match 3: Alan White & Dick Lumsden

Result: 1 down

After losing the first, it took the Stoke boys a few holes to get into it & at the turn SBN were 2 down. A nearest the pin & birdie on the 11th for Newton put them in control. However, never say die Dick, won 12, Alan produced a string of halves & Dick won the 17th to take them down the last 1 down. However, it was not to be, as Newton’s Nigel secured a half with a 12 foot putt.

Match 4: Bob Filer & Graham Vandervord

Result: win, 6 & 5

Tough start for SBN due to losing holes 1 & 3. However a run of pars helped push SBN in front. A lead that was transformed into total domination with 3 birdies & the crowning glory of Bob’s (did you know I’m 80) eagle on the 15th.

Match 5: Malcolm Norton & Norman Davidson

Result: 4 down

After a slow start, Malcolm & Norman managed to get a couple of holes back, followed by a number of holes being halves. Then local knowledge kicked-in with SBN losing their edge & eventually lost 4 down to a couple of very nice gents. Malcolm seemed a little upset when asked for a summary. Not sure what Norman did (or didn’t do) to illicit this state of mind.

Match 6: Steve Mitchell & Robin Nicholson

Result: all square

Steve & Robin greatly enjoyed a tight game that never had more than a 1 hole advantage & eventually finished all square.

Match 7: Andy Higginson & Tony Carman

Result: 2 up

Tony & Andy enjoyed a very tight match against Paul & David played in a very good spirit. After 4 holes SBN were 3 down with some great play by Tony pulling them back to level. SBN fell behind again, finding themselves 1 down with 3 holes remaining. However, birdies on 16 & 17, despite opponents have strokes resulted in the tables being turned. Winning the last was the icing on the cake.

Match 8: Barry Hitchcock & Steve Stacey

Result: win (I can’t recall actual score)

For some reason, Barry & Steve wish to be known as the “Dovetailers” – must be something to do with bird watching. Seems that they had little fun as no trees & only very occasional visits to the sand were encountered. Course considered in good nick & opposition were excellent – top draw Scott! Opponent we presume.

Many thanks to Colin Dallas who cheerfully undertook the responsibility of reporting on todays match against our nearest neighbours.