Concern felt by some players (well your reporter) that the forecast rain may arrive early, but fortunately there were only spots of rain towards the end. A cold day though in the wind, but this did not deter the home team who went on to a great win, despite the absence of Captain Cork who had only just returned for some more sunshine. The team was led by the able VC and past Captain who led the charge. 

Match 1: Kevin Walsh (VC) & Kevin Price (past something)

Result: Won 5 & 4

Comments:

The opposition were slightly bemused as to why VC Kevin was getting five shots when he outdrove everyone by 50 yard. SbN took an early lead and never looked back.  KP was able to offer a little support when called on.

Match 2: Gordon Bryan (Reporter) & Graham Vandervord

Result: Lost 2 & 1

Comments:

A very tight game from the start until the 14th hole when Hintlesham went two ahead. Gordon and Graham both won some holes in the match (but neither at their best) and managed to come back to one down after 16th hole, but lost 17th to go down 2 & 1. The opposition had dovetailed well and were good company throughout.

Match 3: John Crane and David Seymour

Result: Won 3 & 2

Comments:

SbN played against Mark and God (Godric) which was a bit daunting before they commenced. The Stoke duo never went behind, although the match remained competitive until the end. Enjoyable company but Mr Crane was relentless in his focus.

Match 4: Malcolm Norton and Stuart Gregory

Result: Won 2 & 1

Comments:

Hintlesham won hole 1 and SbN levelled on hole 3, thereafter SbN were never behind in the match but it was nip and tuck with the lead either one or two holes. Hintlesham won the 17th.

Match 5: John Williams and Tony Locke

Result: Won 3 & 2

Comments:

Opposition unfamiliar with the course, so were at an immediate disadvantage. SbN were 3 up by the 4th hole with both SbN members playing some good golf. Hintlesham won a couple of holes by the turn but SbN remained two up. Locke was gross 3 over par on the front 9, with Williams 3 over par on the back 9.  Game closed out on 16th. Good company from Hintlesham. Very enjoyable day.

Match 6: Simon Merriam and Richard Middleton 

Result: All Square

Comments:

Match played in great spirit (started on 17th). SbN went 2 up quickly and then watched lead evaporate by 10. SbN then went two down until Simon won 15 and 16th to halve the match.

Match 7: John Harding and Peter Jay

Result: Lost 3 & 2

Comments:

A very tight match with nothing in it, until some superb putting by the opponents ground SbN down. If one of the opponents messed up the other stepped up (Reporters note: this is called dovetailing and is a pain in the a** when played by opponents). A particularly friendly match and John and Peter enjoyed it.

Match 8: Eric Fisher and Andy Higginson

Result: All Square

Comments:

Eric and Andy were giving 13 shots and 12 shots to the two opponents. Discussing this on the first tee, in typical generous and sporting fashion, the Stoke pair were delighted to learn that one of the opponents (Alex) had his handicap increased by six shots in recent weeks, and he had scored 41 points the day before. Buoyed by the challenge, the Stoke pair galloped off bravely to two down after 9 holes. However, the gallant Stoke players fought back to all square, winning the last two holes.

Many thanks to Gordon Bryan on his reporting of the Hintlesham match - cheers Gordon.

Team ………….

     1st     Kevin Walsh (Captain) & Kevin Price

     2nd     Graham Vandervord & Gordon Bryan (Reporter)

     3rd     John Crane & Dave Seymour

     4th     Malcolm Norton & Stuart Gregory

     5th     John Williams &  Tony Locke

     6th     Simon Merriam & Richard Middleton

     7th     John Jardine & Peter Jay

     8th.    Eric Fisher & Andy Higginson