The match was played in a very good spirit on the Constable course.

Fortunately the forecast late rain did not arrive. The team pulled out all the stops to maintain the 100% win record of inspiring Captain Malcolm, securing victory by 5 matches to 3. The two teams then enjoyed a very convivial lunch, the gammon carvery was excellent and for many was enhanced by a glass or two.

Malcolm Norton and Tony Carman lost 2 and 1 to Barry Haley and Robert Potter

The two Stoke players did not attribute blame but Tony made two birdies and Malcolm missed three putts to win the hole. Bob Potter played very well for Colchester.

Alan Finlayson and Andy Higginson beat Mike Sutton and Nick Murray 1 up.

All four players performed exceptionally well. They were also the warmest and friendliest golfers you could meet in the world (no prizes for guessing who wrote this, see the end of the article). A tight very enjoyable match came to a thrilling end when Alan bravely won the 18th.

Brian Roloff and Phil Hickley beat John Champ and Mel Barker 3 and 2

This was a close match throughout, eleven holes were halved until the match finished on the 16th. After some early errant drives Brian came good on the back nine. The Stoke pair were giving many shots but only allowed their opponents to win one hole

Peter Jay and Neil Ashwell lost to Iain Cruickshank and Richard Duncan 4 and 3

The match started off as extremely competitive thanks to some very solid play by Neil helped by his handicap shots. All square after 8 holes but then, as a result of a burst of pars on 9,10 and 11 by the Colchester pair  helped by some very long putts, the Stoke duo found themselves 3 down. Despite their best endeavours they could not pull it back

Andy Cracknell and Alan Line won 4 and 2 against Paul Smith and Terry Mellish

Andy and Alan dovetailed beautifully (no photographs available

unfortunately) and were never behind in the match. Andy managed two birdies whilst Alan played a sublime second shot to the 16th to close out the match

Phil Brennan and David Seymour beat Bob Tebby and Paul Luckman 1 up

Dave and Phil started well winning the first hole. It was then nip and tuck. They started the back nine one up and then extended their lead on the par 5 11th when their opponents both got in trouble. They were looking good to at least halve the short par 3 when Phil hit it close.

Not close enough, Bob from Colchester then nailed a long birdie with Phil missing his shorter putt. They went up the 17th two up. Dave gave a very generous putt to concede the hole (Phil clearly unsure about this, therapy arranged). Thankfully Dave halved the 18th to secure victory. Phew.

Roger Davies and Colin Dallas halved with Stuart Thackrah and Terry Tartelin

To win or not to win is certainly not the question.

But did you see the kites swooping and swirling on the 11th hole in the process of nest building?

Colchester Stuart won the nearest the pin on the 13th; missed the putt and lost the hole (oh, how we commiserated!!)🤣

What a lovely meal, especially for those special few who managed double puds!!

And now for the boring bit - your SbN boys were 3 up on the 14th and managed to scrape a fighting half!!

And a good day was had by all. (Extract from the Collected Works of Roger Davies, to be published shortly)

Phil Boyland and Shikhar Chatrath halved with Bill Anslow and Gerry Woodruff

After a slow start the Stoke pair were 5 down at the turn and then decided to turn up. After a few club throwing moments by Shikhar (as reported no details unfortunately) the Stoke boys secured a fighting half.

Many thanks to Andy Higginson who reported on todays match against Colchester