It’s our annual home match against Colchester today and it’s a little windy but dry.  With Colchester GC being not too far away it’s something of a derby game so with Captain John’s encouraging words ringing in our ears we set off onto the Gainsborough course.

Captain John and Malcolm lost the first hole and that set the pattern for the morning. Colchester’s 15 handicapper should have been off 1.5 (no sour grapes there!) so our first match was lost 3/2.  Malcolm contributed by having a particularly clean trolley.

The second match also had a man with a dodgy handicap, this time of 19 (I don’t play much!) so Paul had his work cut out particularly as JW was making little or no contribution. That match was lost 4/3.

At this point I digress to talk about the changes to the course particularly the 1^st, 14^th and 15^th. It’s the first time I’ve seen the course this year and I really like the changes to the bunker on the 1^st.  When finished it will make the hole so much more attractive and more pleasant to play.  The old bunker was such an eyesore and so difficult to keep in good condition.

I can see that the removal of the trees on the 14^th and 15^th will be like Marmite.  Some will love it and some will hate it.  I’m in the former group.  Apart from helping to dry out those holes I think they look so much better.  The area around the 14^th green feels so much larger and attractive and walking up to the 15^th green, with the sky behind, is an absolute delight. 

The 3^rd group had some fun with Tony parring the 10^th using the old ‘Barnes Wallis’ trick, then chipping from the rough at the back of the green and sinking the putt.  It didn’t help much as they finished 1 down.

No complaints from from JJ and Crackers, ‘Lovely game, hard fought!’. Needless to say they won 3/2.

Rob Davies, in his first match, was paired with the ever dependable David Drew. They won the 16^th to bring the game back to all square then parred in to finish with a half.  Rob was buzzing.  He’ll probably want to play again!

Eric and Phil won 3/1 but only because the Colchester boys were attempting to maim each other.  One smashed a ball through trees to hit the other on the hand causing much pain.  Having said that, the injured party went on to par the hole!

Richard and Dave lost 4/3.  I asked them about the match and they answered, ‘Hush!!’ and pointed at the opposition.  I know no more!

Tony and Roger won 4/2 but, sadly, Roger lent Tony a pink ball that he managed to lose.  That was probably the highlight of the day though Roger did mention that he birdied the 10^th but who really cares about that?

The meal was huge with half a chicken each!!  It was also very tasty.

Sadly, the match was lost 4½ to 3½.  There’s always next time!

Many thanks to John W for reporting on todays fun and games with Colchester - we move on !!

     1     John Parkinson (Captain) & Malcolm Norton

     2     John Williams (Reporter) & Paul Sandfield

     3    Tony Denmead & Dick Lumsden

     4     John Jardine & Andy Cracknell

     5     David Drew & Rob Davies

     6     Eric Fisher & Phil Boyland

     7     David Seymour & Richard Allen

      8     Tony Carman & Roger Davies