It was great to take part in our much anticipated inaugural match against Rookery Park.

Rookery was also suffering with the lack of rain but credit to their green staff, all the tee boxes and greens were in good order, also a good number of fairways had a bit of green grass on them.

Congratulations to Allen and Richard for making us very welcome and for putting on a very tasty lunch.

Match 1 Kevin Walsh and Simon Merriam      Won 3&2

Much was made of VC Kevins consistent play which got us off to a good start and put us 4 up after 7 holes. Then Rookery woke up to peg it back but we still retained our lead to turn at 3up.

Through effective dovetailing, our lead oscillated through the back 9 and we clung on for a 3&2 win.

Match 2 Malcolm Norton and Graham Vandervord    Won 3&2

It is always great to compete in the Vanders golfing spectacular, our opponents were very complimentary. To be fair, Malcolm started very well and as a team, we gelled very well.

We were never down in the match and it was great to see Vanders perform the Birdie dance on a couple of occasions. Our playing partners, Richard and Martin were great hosts.

Match 3 Brian Roloff and Phil Boyland        Lost  3&2

This was a very close match all the way through and there was only 1 hole in it until Rookery turned on the gas at the end of the match to go 2 up on 15th. Then a birdie from them on the 16th was enough for them to claim the match.

Match 4  Dave Seymour and Ray Ludlam   All Square

Two hours in the car with Mr Seymour and still moaning about last weeks match against Felixstowe. No problems today, so fingers crossed for a pleasant drive home.

With regard to the match, good company and a very enjoyable round of golf. We were 3 up at one stage but just like the Felixstowe match, we lost the 18th to finish all square.

Match 5    Tony Locke and Mick Henry      All Square

Close game throughout, we were never behind but never more than 2 in front. Mick played well and kept us in the game with Tony contributing to just 1 hole.

We stood on the 18th Tee dormy, knowing we couldn’t lose was a nice feeling, however, Rookery played the last hole very well with a well fought birdie to ensure we finished all square.

Match 6  Richard Middleton and Iain Gault   Lost 5&4

Richard was in no mood to write the match highlights so, here is Iain’s version of events.

We went  2 down straight away but clawed back to 1 down at the turn. Rookery player David, with his 14 shots proceeded to win the next 2 holes with nett birdies. They dovetailed particularly well but us, not so !!There was no way back from the golfer known as David

Match 7   Stuart Lawson and Nick Wright   All Square

A very tight match against the 2 Brian’s. Neither team were any more than 1 hole ahead in the match. We were down at the 9th but dug in, won the 17th and came away with a well fought half.

Good company and a great golf course

Match 8   Shikhar Chatrath and Tony Reeves    Won 2&1

Having travelled the most distance and arriving hours before anyone else, Tony and Shergar set off in their shared buggy to take on their opponents.

However, after a dodgy  3 down start with Tony as captain, Shergar stepped up and in his words, there was a coup, he won the next 5 holes on his own, BUT, you guessed it, lost the next 3.

It was all good in the end though, on the 15th, they shook hands for a well deserved win

It was a pleasure to be involved with the organisation of this our first fixture.

It seems that everyone was complementary of the course and the hospitality shown to us.

Many thanks to Malcolm N who took on the responsibilities of reporting on the inaugural match against Rookery Park - thanks Malcolm

Team ……….

     1st     Kevin Walsh ( Captain) & Simon Merriam

     2nd     Malcolm Norton (Reporter) & Graham Vandervord

     3rd     Brian Roloff & Phil Boyland

     4th     David Seymour & Ray Ludlam

     5th     Tony Locke & Mick Henry

     6th     Richard Middleton & Iain Gault

     7th     Stuart Lawson & Nick Wright

     8th     Shikhar Chatrath & Tony Reeves