A dry and sunny June morning, complete with the traditional Frinton breeze, greeted the teams as SbN made their firstseaside visit of 2026. Despite the threat of the odd shower, the weather stayed dry and everyone made good progress around the course, no doubt thinking of the delicious lunch that lay ahead.

Most of the matches were very close affairs – five of the eight only being decided on the 18th green. As in 2025, this proved to be SbN’s friend, as we ran out 5 ½ - 2 ½ winners, giving us a record, as we near the halfway point of the season, of won 6and lost 7.

Match 1 – Graham Cork and Roger Davies v Graham Waltham and Jeff Morgan
Won 1 Up

Roger played down his efforts, but made some telling contributions, as well as twice leading the NTP competitions by virtue of being the first one to hit the dance floor. This was a nip and tuck affair, with the lead regularly changing hands, until a par from the skipper on the last brought home the win.

Lovely company, great food, lots of wind (I think Roger was referring to the weather).

Match 2 – John Williams and Del McWilliams v Chris Darbon and Martyn Haines
Won 2 & 1

The Williams brothers teamed up for the second time this year and maintained their 100% record. A very steady round in good company, Stoke were never behind, although were pulled back to All Square a couple of times. Solid golf from both players saw us through.

Match 3 – Malcolm Norton and Trevor Waterhouse v Joe Middleton and Paul Caslaw  
Lost 5 and 4

Trevor and Malcolm won the first and that was as good as it got, as Joe’s magic putter, coupled with his shot allowance,proved to be too powerful a challenge to overcome. A good game, but we lost 5 and 4.

Match 4 – Dick Lumsden and Colin Dallas v Tony Burnside and Chris Gluck
All Square

Another clichéd “game of two halves”. 4 down at the turn, having not won a hole, the team gave themselves a stern talking to and didn’t suffer a single reverse on the back 9. Colin’s birdie on 13 set us on the way and we stood on the 18thtee all square. The last was halved in pars for a veryhonourable draw. Great match, great spirit.

Match 5 – Tony Carman and Kevin Walsh v John Coupland and Chris Vine
Won 2 up

After losing the first hole, SbN settled into the match, and with some excellent driving and putting, took a 2 hole lead into the back 9. A couple of missed putts from the VC gave Frinton a lifeline, but a pair of pars on 17 and 18 (one each) closed out an enjoyable match, played against two friendly and competitive opponents.

Match 6 – Shikhar Chatrath and Brian Roloff v Peter Murphy and Colin Marsh
Won 2 & 1

2025’s sleeping partner Shikhar turned up in style, as the Stoke boys won the first four holes. Frinton came roaring back, reducing the deficit to one, but we held firm, some very close holes were played out as we got to the business end. As always, a great game.

Match 7 – Dave Humphreys and Dave Seymour v Charles Penfold and Alan Keyte
Lost 1 hole

The Double Dave team took time to get going and were 3 down at the turn. A valiant fightback – spirit of de Zerbi? - saw the contest going down the last, but unfortunately the team, like too many of their putts, came up just short.

Match 8 – Tony Locke and Richard Allen v Reg Jamesand Peter Morris
Won 2 up

Despite being 3 up at one stage, this was a close match, with Frinton fighting back to be all square at hole 13. Nip and tuck from thereon in, SbN winning the 17th to be dormie 1 and went on to win 18. All played in a friendly, competitive spirit.

A very enjoyable day – Frinton were great hosts and their new terrace overlooking the 18th green looks magnificent.

Many thanks to Trevor Waterhouse, the reporter of the day @ Frinton. Thanks Trevor.

Team ………..

     1st     Graham Cork (Captain) & Roger Davies

     2nd      John Williams & Del McWilliams

     3rd     Malcolm Norton & Trevor Waterhouse (Reporter)

     4th     Dick Lumsden & Colin Dallas

     5th     Tony Carman & Kevin Walsh

     6th     Shikhar Chatrath & Brian Roloff

     7th     David Humphreys & David Seymour

     8th.    Tony Locke & Richard Allen