GOSFIELD            7          SbN            1

HOT, HOT, HOT

That was both the weather and the opposition’s standard of play.  On a day that felt more like July than May day, S by N’s less than wonderful away record this season continued.  We lost by 7:1 – Six losses and two halves.

The gory details follow.

Match 1 - Cap’n Kevin and Roger Davies.

Jonathan, Gosfield’s 83 year old 26 handicapper, out drove, out chipped and out putted us to death (his mid irons weren’t bad either!)  When the game ended on the 16th, Jonathan had accumulated 42 points.  His partner, Gosfield Seniors captain, Robin had not contributed to a single hole – not even a half!! But are we bitter?!*?

Match 2 - Kevin Walsh and Dave Seymour

3 early pars put Stoke 3 up, but Gosfield came back stronglyand took the lead on the 14th.  Dave then parred the 15th and used his shot effectively on the 18th to secure an honourable half.  An excellent match.

Match 3 - John Parkinson and Graham Vandervord

The front 9 was keenly contested but Stoke were one down at the turn due to losing the 8th to a 2, net 1!!  Having slipped to 3 down, a brief revival terminated on 17.

Match 4 - Simon Merriam and Rob Swan

This was a tough match and Stoke were two down after 4 holes to par and birdie.  However, it was honours even after nine and Brian (Gosfield Lake club captain) said this was despite him having gone out in gross 39!  Stoke battled on and were one up after 16. However, 17 was lost.  Chris, for Gosfield had a shot on 18 and successfully cleared the lake in two.  Rob and Simon were less than successful going for the green in two and decided to wash their balls instead!

Match 5 - John Williams and Del McWilliams

Six birdies in this game.  Stoke were never more than 2 down.  The game was all square after 16 but Gosfield went on to win with par and birdie on 8 and 9.

Match 6 - Steve Mitchell and Eric Fisher

Stoke by Nayland started strongly and were two up at the turn, then Eric for Gosfield, receiving 13 shots, turned it on and ended having played to 7 below his handicap.  Two up win to Gosfield.

Match 7 - Brian Roloff and Tony Carman

Again, in this match, Stoke were 2 up after 9.  Unfortunately, Brian went off piste and decided to play an alternative fairway.  There is a pattern here – another two up win to Gosfield.

Match 8 - Tony Denmead and David Humphreys

This was a tight match with no side ever being more than one up.  Gosfield fielded their equivalent to our Sir Bobby Filerand it was always going to be tough.  Gosfield were heard saying after the first hole “Have they got the handicaps right?”  Tony then came into form and S by N were one up after 16 but missed four foot putts on 17 and 18 meant a half point was all that could be achieved.  Better than most though !

Many thanks to Rob Swan who took on the responsibilities of reporting on the Gosfield away match.