A challenging and enjoyable match in benign conditions for the team having to overcome some large differences in handicaps between the players.

As has generally been the case during the recent hot and dry weather, the fairways were hard and giving a good running distance and the greens were receptive and true.

Match 1 – Graham Cork & Graham Stubbs v Graham Waltham & David Hall - Won 2 up

The opening match was the proverbial game of two halves with the home pairing just about hanging on throughout the front nine. Three down after four holes with Captain Cork seemingly on life support, the apprentice ‘young’ Stubbs weighed in on holes five six and eight, but Frinton remained two or three holes ahead throughout. Then, on ten, out of cryogenics, came Corky!

The back nine was then a golfing masterclass from the captain with a birdie on twelve and back to back birdies on sixteen (to halve with the Frinton birdie … oh the pressure) and seventeen. The apprentice looked on in awe and the Frinton pair looked shellshocked. Corky then won the eighteenth to round off the win, two up.

Overall, an entertaining match with great company despite nearly everyone being called Graham!

Match 2 – Simon Merriam & John Carpenter v Chris Vine & Bill Paice Lost 3 and 1

Simon & John got off to a slow start, going two down after two holes. This was clawed back by the sixth, but we then dropped back to one down by the turn.

Over a close game, Frinton maintained a narrow lead taking this to two up with two to play. Unfortunately, their par on the seventeenth sealed a three and one defeat for us.

Match 3 – Tony Denmead & Del McWilliams v Roy Porter & Colin Marsh Match halved

A challenging match with both Frinton opponents carrying double figure shot handicaps advantage.

The front nine was close with only two holes halved. An early lead gained on the second turned into being one hole down by the seventh but we regained a one hole lead by the turn.

This lead was extended to three up but net birdies by Frinton in the closing holes resulted in the match being halved. A disappointing result.

Match 4 – Iain Gault & Dick Lumsden v Wayne De’Ath&Kevin Jenkins Lost 2 down

A very close and competitive match all the way round. There was never more than one hole in it. All square on the seventeenth tee, it could have gone either way, but in a spectacular own goal, both Stock players played the wrong ball on the green and lost the hole. Losing the last to go two down was salt in the wound.

Match 5 – Steve Mitchell & Tone Locke v Les Poole & Ray Hannam Won 6 and 4

We were surprisingly two up after five holes considering the shots given but the situation changed quickly and we were all square two holes later. We then won the next three holes to take control and finished off the match at the 14th winning six with four to play. 

Match 6 - John Crane & Richard Middleton v Jeff Morgan & John Coupland Lost 3 and 2

A match played in good humour with most holes decided by pars.

We halved the first two holes (17th & 18th) then lost or halved the remaining holes. John had a very close shot on the seventhbut unfortunately missed the putt!

Match 7 – Bill Kemter & Mick Henry v Tony Burnside &Chris Darbon Lost 3 and 1

We started badly, losing the opening two holes (17th & 18th). We recovered to all square by the fifth, but were never ahead in the match. We lost the match on the fifteenth after poor tee shots by both Stoke players. Chris, the Frinton high handicapper, played ‘a blinder’ making full use of his  twenty shots from Bill.

Match 8 – Stuart Lawson & Ray Ludlum v Peter Morris  Chris Gluck Won 5 and 3

After going one up at the eighteenth, Stoke never looked back. Ray was solid in winning the third and fifth but Frinton fought back. Stuart winning the seventh, eighth and ninth decisive. Frinton won the tenth was but the four hole advantage was restored on the eleventh. A Stuart birdie on the thirteenth finished the game. Peter and Chris were great company.

Overall, an enjoyable day despite the result.

Many thanks to Del McW for taking on the responsibility of reporting on today’s Frinton match. Thanks Del.

Team …………..

     1st     Graham Cork (Captain) & Graham Stubbs

     2nd     Simon Merriam & John Carpenter

     3rd     Tony Denmead & Del McWilliams (Reporter)

     4th     Iain Gault & Dick Lumsden

     5th     Steve Mitchell & Tony Locke

     6th      John Crane & Richard Middleton

     7th     Bill Kemter & Mick Henry

     8th     Stuart Lawson & Ray Ludlam