INTER CLUB MATCH v BENTON HALL - AWAY - 2nd AUGUST
BENTON HALL 5 SbN 3
Leaving Colchester after dawn in heavy rain, one could only wonder whether the Benton curse would again be under water like last year.
On arrival, the sun was shining, the birds singing, and the attending gladiators readied themselves for physical competition.
The matches proceeded at a steady pace, and upon their completion, we groomed ourselves and dressed for lunch. It was noteworthy that the Benton senior captain (Terry) was dressed in blazer and tie, looking very regal, whilst the remainder dressed comfortably in their casual shorts and shirts.
A special thanks to Graham Corke. Graham is not only a very good golfer, he is highly organised, and a top bloke. We shall be blessed in having KP and GC as our senior representatives at the changeover from the impeccable and respected John Parky.
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Match-1: John Parkinson (Captain) and Phil Brennan (L 4-3)
Terry (BH Senior Captain) nailed monster putts twice off the green to win holes. Benton were 2 up at the turn. John was having to birdie to halve holes. Some tough breaks for John as some long drives found him in trouble. Eventually SbN went down 4-3. Good course and nice company!
Match-2: Graham Cork and Bill Kemter (L 5-4)
The writing was on the wall at hole-1 when Alan (Benton, and receiving 17 shots) rolled in a trickey putt for the win. SbN didn't play badly, yet we found ourselves down 2 at the turn. Noel (Benton) was regretfully consistent while Alan produced moments of magic, chipping to 2-feet from heavy rough on the 13th. Bill tried valiantly giving shots on almost every hole, and Graham's putts didn't quite drop. A quality match, better-ball 65 vs 67, played in magnificent spirit. (PS. After the match was lost , we won the next three holes!).
Match-3: Sir Bob Filer and Gordan Bryan (W 4-3)
Gordon's 15 shots were more than the Benton boys could cope with! He never 3 putted and on the odd occassion that he slipped up, Sir Bob shone on the hole (and Sir Bob's shorts were a bobby-dazzler too!). Great spirit throughout and a thoroughly enjoyable game, expecially for SbN in their win (this match report was written by Doug from Benton, and is considered to be overly tactful!).
Match-4: Lionel Hatch and Peter Hele (Halved)
A very friendly, yet tight, encounter saw SbN turning at 1 up. Pete put on the after-burners to take us to 3 up with 3-holes to play, but lady-luck deserted Pete on 16th and 17th. On the 18th Pete hit a wonderous 6-iron dead centre of the only tree for miles to see it return to his feet (you don't have to be dead to be stiff!). His back was aching from literally carrying Lionel around the course, and on some heartfelt occassions Lionel sought to do his bit to contribute to the card. The match ended all square.
Match-5: Andy Higginson and Kevin Walsh (L 4-3)
A positive start by SbN (specifically Andy) gave us a 2-hole lead after 6. Subsequently, the more consistent Benton players used their shots effectively to move ahead. The match ended with a 4-3 defeat and Kevin parring and birding the last 2-holes was too little too late!
Match-6: Mick Henry and Kevin Price (L 1-0)
3-up after 4 holes and it was going like a dream and according to plan. Mick had a particularly heavy sombrero on though, and it was clawed back by Benton to all square at the turn. Despite the valiant attempts by SbN to secure the win, the match was lost on the last put on the last green. The game was played in good spirits throughout.
Match-7: Dick Lumsden and Ian Gault (Halved)
Great company and a very tight game. SbN took 9 holes to work out that we should bump and run as our hosts had shown us! 2-down at the turn, A/S with 2 to play. Benton won 1th, but Dick missed his shot on the last to hole out for a net birdie. A/S was an equitable result.
Match-8: Colin Pottle and Simon Merriam (W 2-0)
After a close start, SbN pulled away to build a 4-shot lead by the turn. This began to be whittled awa, not helped by Simon finding every patch of water on offer. We held on to be 1-up with 1 hole to play, and finished 2-up.
Many thanks to Bill Kemter for taking on the responsibilities of arranging the Benton Hall report - thanks Bill
Team …………
1 John Parkinson (Captain) & Phil Brennan
2 Bill Kemter (Reporter) & Graham Cork
3 Bob Filer & Gordon Bryan
4 Lionel Hatch & Peter Hele
5 Andy Higginson & Kevin Walsh
6 Mick Henry & Kevin Price
7 Dick Lumsden & Iain Gault
8 Colin Pottle & Simon Merriam