SbN           5½         THE WARREN      2½

A dry Spring morning, mercifully without the strong winds of recent days, greeted the teams as they made their way from the Champions Lounge, some making the trek to the far flung corner of the Gainsborough course that is the 17th tee. The benign weather conditions continued throughout the day, with many shedding a layer or two as the round progressed.

Following our win against Colchester the previous week, SbN continued their good form, a solid 5 ½  - 2 ½ win giving us a record of won 2 and lost 2.

Match 1 – Graham Cork and Stuart Lawson v Mike Faulconbridge Nigel Rothwell.
All Square

This was a very nip and tuck affair. The Warren team took the first and third, only to be pegged back on 2 and 4. After the mystery of the captain’s lost ball on the 8th, the Warren led again. Holes continued to be traded – Graham’s miracle shot on 13 will linger long in at least the captain’s memory – and the match ended with a deserved half for both teams.

Match 2 – Phil Boyland and Dick Lumsden v Keith Amato and David Savage.
Won 4 & 2

A very enjoyable match, made all the sweeter by racing to four up after five. Dick and Phil were dovetailing well and went 6 up at the turn. There was a brief hiccup on 10 (both visiting the water) but with the help of 3 birdies from Phil and a betterball gross score of 76, Stoke saw it over the line on the 14th.

Match 3 – Andy Cracknell and Malcolm Norton v Cliff Searle and Dave Riches.  
Won 1 up

An excellent match in which all participants played well. Crackers and Malcolm stormed into an early lead and were 2 up at the turn. The Warren fought back and we were 1 down after 15, but managed to level on 16, thanks to a fine birdie from Crackers. The 17th was halved and then a par on 18 was good enough to win the match for the home team.

Match 4 – Ian McKay and Kevin Walsh v Mick Robinson and Mike Littlewood
Won 5 & 4

The Warren won the first hole, but that was as good as it got! A string of pars and four birdies put SbN in a winning position early in the back 9 and a birdie from Ian on the 14th gave us a 5 and 4 win. A very enjoyable game against two friendly opponents.

Match 5 – Andy Higginson and Nick Wright v John Christian and Neil Wilson
Won 4 & 3

The match was played in a very good spirit and was closer than the score suggests. The Stoke pair got off to a flyer, reaching 4 up after 6 holes and managed to maintain that margin to the end of the match. Neil and John couldn’t buy a putt all day! (The captain feels their pain!).

Match 6 – Tony Denmead and Mick Henry v Steve Everett and Phil Reeve
Lost 1 hole

Counselling required after this one. Starting on 17, we were four down after the first 5 holes. The Warren played some scintillating golf, with several long putts going in. A gross par on the fourth from Mick sparked a recovery to 1 down and level standing on the 16th tee (our last). It all came down to two 3 ½ foot putts to halve the match. Both missed – it will haunt us for ever!

Match 7 – Joh Williams and Rob Swan v Doug Finer and Andrew Penny
All Square

The home team got off to a less than ideal start, being 3 down after 3, having had to handle two birdies by the 24 handicapper on the par 3s! But despite never being in front, a fine recovery brough us back to 1 down after 12 and a win on 16 secured the half.

Match 8 – David Drew and Ray Ludlam v Malter Fletchner and Colin Bickers
All Square

A very enjoyable game, in good company. After an opening birdie for The Warren, the portents were not good, but we turned it round and were two up with 2 to go. A missed putt from Ray on 15 saw the lead cut to one and The Warren gained the half by winning 16. The match report mentions that Ray may have spent rather too much time practising his German with Malte Fletchner instead of concentrating on his putting!! Nonetheless a very enjoyable round of golf.

A very enjoyable day – onwards and upward to Brett Vale after Easter.

Many thanks to our Captain, Graham for offering to report as well as assuming the Captains responsibilities. Thanks Graham.

Team …………

     1st     Graham Cork (Captain & Reporter) & Stuart Lawson 

     2nd     Phil Boyland & Dick Lumsden 

     3rd     Andrew Cracknell & Malcolm Norton

     4th     Ian McKay & Kevin Price

     5th     Andy Higginson & Nick Wright

     6th     Tony Denmead & Mick Henry

     7th     John Williams & Rob Swan

     8th     David Drew & Ray Ludlam