SbN entered the final match of the season with the slightly underwhelming 2024 record of played 29, won 9, halved 4, lost 16. All that was forgotten however as Captain Parky’s motivational words finally failed to fall on deaf ears and SbN recorded (possibly) their first ever clean sweep! A good way to end John’s year as Captain and a solid base for KP to build on in 2025!

Match 1 - won 6&4
SbN were 2 up after 2 before Jay discovered his sand wedge and putter could work effectively, producing some wonderful bunker shots and long putts to reduce the deficit. Captain Parky then started to play in his usual manner - with 4 birdies the result! John and Mick were then able to close out the game on the 14th for a 6&4 victory.

Match 2 - won 2&1
A close match throughout, with never more than 1 shot in it until Allen parred the 16th to give SbN a 2&1 win. Lots of halved holes - mostly with pars - making it a competitive and enjoyable match, with excellent company in Robin and Richard from The Essex.

Match 3 - won 6&4
A stunning victory for SbN with both Terry and Tony performing well. The highlight was apparently a chip in for birdie by Tony on the 17th (albeit after the match was already won!!).

Match 4 - won 4&3
Richard birdied the 3rd to give SbN the lead, which they never relinquished. Brian (straight from his hospital bed!) and Richard combined well to complete a comfortable victory.

Match 5 - won 4&3
A high quality match played in good spirit, with Ian in sparkling form throughout and Graham making contributions along the way. After a tight opening 9 holes, SbN turned 1 up. Solid play at the start of the back 9 saw the lead grow to 3 up after 12. Despite a par on 13 from David to win that hole, SbN won the next 2 to complete victory. Ian then treated his playing partners to some exhibition golf making birdies on the final 2 holes (as well as taking home the nearest pin prize from the 3rd hole earlier in the round).

Match 6 - won 5&4
A very enjoyable game was had by all (although mostly SbN). We were three up after 3 and then continued to hold the lead throughout, closing out the match on the 14th for a 5&4 victory.

Match 7 - won 2&1
Andy and Gordon enjoyed a very high level match against Jim and Tony from The Essex (with apparently less than 7 air shots!!). The game was played in a very good spirit with SbN eventually managing to pull away from their game opponents to prevail 2&1.

Match 8 - won 3&2
SbN got off to a good start by winning the first 2 holes and then extended their lead to 3 up after 9. After a few ups and downs SbN regained their three shot lead and Simon and Sir Bob took the match 3&2 on the 16th.

Many thanks to Kevin Walsh for taking on the responsibility of reporting on today’s final Inter Club match of yet another thoroughly enjoyable season. Thanks Kevin.