What a beautiful day to play golf. The sun was shining with the trees swaying in a gentle breeze, with plush fairways and well cared for greens.
Fifteen Stoke men turned up on time to enjoy a coffee and bacon roll. One of our players thought he could take on the mighty Braintree team all on his own at Stoke by Nayland. But they failed to turn up, (so did the rest of his team ), he then had  to dash to their club to take part in the match.

                                                                     MATCH ONE :-  Captain Kev & GB  Won 4&3

Despite scoring FORTY POINTS in the Vets Cup on Wednesday the Captain played second fiddle to GB . Playing off his 20 something handicap  he hit the ball short and straight time after time and making his shot count on every hole.
The secret to Gordon's success , is the love of a good woman and TWO BACON ROLLS before he started.

                                                                    MATCH TWO :-   Vanders & Malcolm N.  Lost 3&2

Despite Vanders winning division 2 on Sunday he could only come second in this pairs match playing with someone who used to be Captain.
All square at half way, went 4 down and pulled it back, only to lose by 3. 

                                                                   MATCH THREE :-  Oh!!  Richard & VC25  Won 2&1

When I read their match report I thought they had both been drinking and they were both 'tight' with excellent spirit !!!  It turned out it was a close match and played in a sporting manner. All square after 12, match won on the 17th.

                                                                 MATCH FOUR :- TC & VC26  Won 3&2 

This was probably the BEST win in all the matches against super strong opposition. Kevin taking the knee every time he holed a putt (strange ritual).
Stoke boys always kept ahead despite a poor shot to the green from Kevin resulting in a dropped, or was it a thrown club to the ground.? No it was definitely a dropped club. Kevin's shot on the 10th got him a birdie and a bottle of wine for nearest the pin.

                                                              MATCH FIVE  :-  'BARD' of somewhere & JJ  Lost by 2 

Roger said he didn't want a boring report. Won  first 3 , lost next 5, A/S @ 16 lost last 2.

                                                             MATCH SIX  :-  Dave & SBN Ladies Captain's Husband  Lost 4&2

Although Colin was giving 14 shots to Chris from Braintree he didn't moan about it at all. SBN were never in front in this match with Chris making good use of his 14 shots. The only person getting more shots than Chris ( 14 ) was GB with 19. Lucky Colin wasn't playing him.

                                                           MATCH SEVEN  :-  Crackers & Hatchie Won 3&2

Lionel continued his superb form from the winning of the V/C tour to winning of this pairing. Not sure if Andy was much help apart from giving Lionel 14 shots. This match was never in doubt as Crackers left it all to Hatchie, (the wily old fox.) Never down ,never in doubt.

                                                          MATCH EIGHT  :-  Bird box Man & Where is Everybody  Won 3&2

Trevor was looking forward to playing the match on his own ( thinking he was going to get to play 2 balls every hole ) then Del turned up!!
Del missed out on his bacon roll ( not sure if Gordon had that one as well ). Lost a couple of holes, came back strong winning the next 5 .
Stayed like that till the end. 

The course at Braintree was in fantastic condition and a joy to play . The hospitality was excellent and the food very good, even 

VC25 said his special  £25 sandwich was tasty. Good win, good day all round ,got home had a nap!!  

Many thanks to Tony C for his report on todays match @ Braintree - cheers mate