The humidity gave way to an overcast and blustery morning, with the cooler temperatures suiting not only the away team, but also the chef’s choice of main course.

Match 1 Graeme Cork and Andy Higginson Won 1up

A formidable match in which all players performed, with all the holes bar one being won in par or birdie. The highlight being the 16th when Andy cleverly played his tee shot off the metal bridge to 8 feet to win the hole. The Stoke pair then closed the match out by winning the last two holes. Harsh on the Benton Boys who played very well

Match 2 Colin Dallas and Dick Lumsden Won 5 & 4

After a poor start, we, well Dick really, started to play and roared off to be 3up at the turn. A few more steady holes, including Dick’s give-me birdie on the 13th and it was nearly over. With the fat lady showing up on the 14th it was all over 5&4 with Dick playing like a God!

(Colin also had two birdies, in a gross 76 better ball score, but failed to mention after an attack of modesty)

Match 3 Tony Denmead and Rob Swan Won 6 & 5

A birdie for SbN on the 1st and 3 up after 3 set the tone for the match. Never less than 2 up SbN rolled out 6 & 5 Winners. All Played in a fine spirit…….

Reporters note – I did hear one of the opposition was slightly bewildered to have scored 39 points and still lose so heavily.

Match 4 Kevin Walsh and Ian Gault Won 6 & 4

Stoke went 2 up early and then it was nip and tuck until the 9thwhen Ian birdied it to regain the 2 shot lead. A run of 4 wins in the next 5 gave SbN a comfortable 6 & 4 win. Some very good golf on a challenging course and 2 sporting opponents made it an enjoyable day out

Match 5 Simon Merriman and Stuart Lawson Won 2 & 1

A close encounter throughout but the SbN boys were never behind. A first hole was pegged back on the 3rd. SbN won 3 more holes but kept being pulled back. A 2 hole lead was achieved at the 15th, with a half on the 17th closing out the match.

Match 6 Richard Middleton and David Seymour Won 2 up

Match started 10th hole

Mood amongst the SbN team was low after the Benton Hall captain informed the gathering of an on-course smoking ban!! Not to be diswayed ‘The Middleton’ decided to put in a smoking performance, with 8 pars, 3 birdies and an eagle…….44 points

David and Tony from Benton Hall kept smiling, putting in from distance and keeping it competitive. But in the end smoky Richard prevailed

And it was all going so well………

Match 7 Bill Kemter and David Humphreys Lost 6 & 5

Match started 10th hole

A competitive match against Pete and Rod (although Rod did insist on calling Pete, Bill)

Down 3 at the halfway mark, the Stokes had too much to claw back and eventually lost 6 and 5

An enjoyable match with Rod saying to Pete “You’re the best partner on the day” Not sure what Rod’s wife might say about that comment, but Pete was thrilled

Match 8 David Drew and Mick Henry All Square

Match started 10th hole

SbN pair were never ahead, hovering between 2 and 3 down, needing at least a par to win any hole. Continued to fight, finishing the game strongly and battled hard for an honourable half!

A fine away victory for the SbN team, with matches 7 & 8 having the worst of the weather conditions, clearly favouringthe home pairs…………

Many thanks to David Humphries for an excellent report on todays outstanding win against Benton Hall - thanks David

Team ………

     1st     Graham Cork (Captain) & Andy Higginson

     2nd     Colin Dallas & Dick Lumsden

     3rd     Tony Denmead & Rob Swan

     4th     Kevin Walsh & Iain Gault

     5th     Simon Merriam & Stuart Lawson

     6th     Richard Middleton & David Seymour

     7th      Bill Kemter & David Humphries (Reporter)

     8th     David Drew & Mick Henry