The match took place in blustery conditions on a Constable course which was somewhat damp underfoot and greens that had only recently been hollow-tined and top-dressed so a little bumpy. Fortunately the promised heavy showers didn't materialise - we only had to suffer some early drizzle and everyone finished in warm sunshine. An excellent Turkey carvery and cheesecake desert was served to hungry recipients after the match.

Match 1 SbN pair: John Parkinson and Andy Cracknell (WON 4 & 2)

Stand-in Captain John (only 1 birdie) was over-shadowed by Andy 'I must get my handicap sorted' with an Eagle on the 16th and 'I can't remember how many birdies' in a largely one-sided match. Despite giving their opponents a good number of shots, SbN romped home with some gas still left in the tank.

Match 2 SbN pair: Rob Swann and Phil Hickley (WON 3 & 1)

Despite being 3 up after 8 holes, the SbN pair were never in complete control, largely helped by Phil's putting stroke which might have looked more at home on the hockey field. SbN were pulled back to only 1 up on the 13th (courtesy of yet another 3 putt from Phil) but a confident 4 nett 3 from Rob on the 14th gave the side fresh momentum. A series of pars form Phil from the 15th stabilised the match which was closed out on the 17th.

Match 3 SbN pair: Brian Willsher and Trevor Waterhouse (WON 2 & 1)

The SbN pair were 4 up with 4 to play and coasting to an impressive victory but then their steel backbones turned to jellyfish before they limped over the finishing line with a 2 & 1 victory. Brian's love of sand-dressed greens knows no bounds - he holed a number of clutch 5 & 6 footers throughout. So much so, he's thinking of taking a bag of sand round with him to spread on his putting line in future rounds.

Match 4 SbN pair: Skikhar Chatrath and Tony Emms (LOST 1 hole)

A close game throughout finished with a disappointing 18th hole from the SbN pair. 'A Tree, an errant chip-shot and a 'hugely aggressive' lag-putt' on a heavily-dressed 18th green did for Tony'....according to playing partner Shergar.

Match 5 SbN pair: Ian McKay and Norman Davidson (WON 3 & 1)

So....do the new Rules of Golf 2023 allow for a golfer to book a lesson half way round to sort out a few technical faults that can be adopted for the second nine? Apparently so. Ian's guidance did the trick so that Norman could at least contribute something during the day, other than buying a round of drinks for their opponents. Otherwise it was another master-class from our rules-guru Mr McKay who barely got his shoes muddy, never deviating from the centre of the fairway.

Match 6 SbN pair: Steve Mitchell and Phil Brennan (WON 3 & 2)

Substitute Phil provided ample assistance to '3 birdie' Steve in a close match where lots of holes were halved. The SbN thoroughbreds showed their resolve by grinding out a lead which they held onto before closing out the match on the 16th green.

Match 7 SbN pair: Jonathan Perry and Kevin Walsh (MATCH HALVED)

A friendly match which was dominated by SbN who reached the turn 3 up. The Newton Green pair then decided to turn-up and had halved the match by the 16th green. A nervous finale then saw both the 17th and 18 holes won to leave the match all square. Despite the desire to settle the match by going down the 1st, the two pairs decided to call it a day with honours even.

Match 8 SbN pair: Colin Dallas and David Seymour (WON 3 & 1)

There was much to report from the last match out. Dave, single-handedly kept the SbN team in the game despite going 2 or 3 down going into the back nine. Then Colin found his game at last and parred in to close out the game. But what spurred him on? Could it have been the significant altercation coming from the two groups following the Seniors match. Why so? Seemingly one group decided it was appropriate to tee off on the ninth while the group in front were at the bottom of the hill.........much to the consternation of those waiting to play from the fairway. Everyone other than the Police were called to separate the waring groups and restore order.....Perhaps unidentified SbN Seniors were following and keen to get in for their lunch....?

Many thanks to Phil Hickley on reporting what was clearly a great result. Thanks Phil.