From your Captain:

I cannot believe that this is my very last newsletter.

As I reflect on this past year and all that has happened, I would like to take a moment to think about our absent friends. They are all certainly missed by us all.

There are a number of people that deserve special thanks.

As always, where would we be without Peter Jay’s endless work with our website.

For Pete Hele and Kevin Price for their excellent work this year organising the interclub matches. To my team of helpers for their continued support, in particular, Allen Smith who despite his illness has been there to support me throughout.

There is also a dedicated group of tee bookers. Without these people we would not get to play together each week in the swindle.

John Williams kicked off this year’s fundraising with his dry February campaign, thank you John.

I’ve had many individual donations over the year, for this, I thank you all.

The longest day challenge where I played 36 holes brought in a fantastic sum of money.

A lot of you helped to make my charity day so successful. Collectively you all contributed in some way or another, whether through donating prizes or bidding for the many things we had on offer. 

I’m grateful to the many local companies and individuals that sponsored a hole on the day.

Help on the day from Allen, Peter, Lionel and Ian was very much appreciated.

I must thank Karl and Harry for giving me so many fourball vouchers to swap.

Peter Jay has come up trumps yet again with his connection with Barclays Bank. Similarly, Graham Vandervord has contributed too.

As a result of this year’s fundraising, I am delighted to report that the amount going to the East Anglian Children’s Hospice will be approximately £10,000.00

I wish John all the very best in his captaincy and hope he has as much fun as I have.

Thank you

Malcolm Norton

Seniors' Guest Day

The senior’s guest day will now be played on 16^th October on the Gainsborough course.

It’s still not too late to enter, so if you wish to come along with a guest, kindly contact John Williams or Alan Line.

Wednesday Swindles

Wednesday 6th September – Constable
     1st     Graham Cork                         44 points         4 shot cut
      2nd     Peter Garnett                       42 pts               3 shot cut
      3rd       Mick Henry                          41 pts               2 shot cut

Friday 15th September – Gainsborough
     1st     Rob Swann / David Seymour                         38 points       3 shot cut
      2nd    Richard Middleton / Pete Hele                      37 pts             2 shot cut
      3rd     Del McWilliams / John Russell                     36 pts             1 shot cut

Wednesday 20th September – Constable
     1st     Kevin Price / Lionel Hatch / Andy Cracknell –           36 points 3 shot cuts
     2nd     John Russell / Mick Henry  –                                   35 pts 2 shot cuts
     3rd     Richard Middleton    –                                              34 pts 1 shot cut

Wednesday 27th September – Gainsborough

    1st     Peter Robins/ Peter Jay                       39 points 3 shot cuts

     2nd     Barry Hitchcock / Brian Butcher      38 pts 2 shot cuts

     3rd     Eric Fisher                                              36 pts 1 shot cut

Swindles in October

Friday 6th October –                      Constable

Friday 13th October –                   Gainsborough

Wednesday 18th October –         Constable

Friday 27th October –                   Gainsborough

Inter Club Matches

7^th September, Newton Green away.

This match was postponed and will now be played on November 2^nd. Our 2023 Captain will be coming out of retirement for 1 day only!

Inter Club Match v The Essex - Away - 20th September

The Essex 5 SbN 3

Our Senior’s team headed to Earls Colne with a ‘Results To Date’ records of 11 wins, 10 losses with the only halved match back in April at home to ‘The Warren’. If we were to maintain our winning position our players were faced with some challenge as they were up against opponents with, let’s say, advantageous handicaps !!  Across the pairings the least number of shots being ‘given’ was 13 with matches 6,7 and 8 reading 22,20,22.

To add to the challenge the forecasted windy conditions arrived, but thankfully no real rain.

With a ‘two tee’ start all matches were away by 9.30 and, I for one, was interested to experience the obviously flat course (being an ex airfield) as over time various people had intimated to me it was boring.

MATCH 1     LOST 3 & 1 

Malcolm and Peter 

A tough match with very little in it until the last few holes when it all fell apart. The Home Captain had been “having a mare” but sadly for us it all came together for him on the back 9. It would appear his bag will weigh considerably lighter now. 

MATCH 2      LOST 4 & 3 

John & Brian 

No match for our opponents, particularly Tony, who had 18 shots off ‘JP’. 5 pars net birdies by Tony proved the uphill task we all faced as ‘JP’ shot a gross 79 which was still not good enough. I played steadily but with Mike describing his partner,Tony,  as “being on fire” we were no match on the day. Course conditions were good with ‘grassy’ fairways, sand in bunkers and ‘true’ greens. 

MATCH 3     WON 2 UP 

Pete & Dave 

A very enjoyable morning with good company. We were very quickly 2 down after 3 but pulled back to be 2 up after 8 and reached the turn 1 ahead. ‘SBN’ never looked back from this position and David’s 200 yard approach and subsequent birdie on the 18th closed the match out. 

MATCH 4    LOST 2 & 1 

Tony & Graham 

Not content with giving the opposition several shots we relentlessly pursued a tactic of giving the fairways as wide a berth as possible. 2 down early on we pulled it back to be all square at the halfway point and were then 1 up after 14. Unfortunately, a holed bunker shot from Ernst was a ‘dagger to the heart’. Shots into the trees and on the adjoining fairway sealed our fate on the 17th, but just to show what we were capable of, Tony birdied the last ! 

MATCH 5   WON 1 UP 

Brian & John 

A great start and we were 5 up after 6. Slowly but surely the opposition ‘woke up’ to eat away at the deficit to be level coming into the final hole. However, Brian shot 5 net 4 to secure the victory. 

MATCH 6   WON 3 & 2 

Ian & Dave 

A shaky start going immediately 2 down but some ‘fiery’ (not sure what that implies) play saw us ahead at the turn. A lot of close holes made more interesting with a few bounces from the trees ? 

MATCH 7  LOST 5 & 4 

Phil & Trevor 

Once again the home team’s shots advantage was used well. When faced with a birdie (with a shot) and a clutch of pars our pair were always going to be up against it and so it proved. Despite the defeat it was a good match played in the right spirit. 

MATCH 8  LOST 2 DOWN 

Tony & Andy 

Once again the final match was played in a very friendly spirit. Our pair were giving away the most shots of any but fought bravely, coming back from 4 down to take the match to the last hole. A 40 foot putt from Ray on the last green sealed the victory for the home team. 

When announcing the result Malcolm chose not to emphasise the handicaps of our opponents but made reference that the return match on the 11th October would test their ability on our less forgiving terrain.

Many thanks to Brian Willsher for his expert reporting of today’s inaugural match against The Essex. Thanks Brian.

Team …………..

     Malcolm Norton (Captain) & Peter Jay

     Brian Willsher (Reporter) & John Parkinson

     Pete Hele & David Drew

     Tony Denmead & Graham Cork

     Brian Roloff & John Williams

     Ian McKay & David Seymour

     Trevor Waterhouse & Phil Hickley

     Tony Carman & Andy Higginson

Inter Club Match v Clacton - Away - 28th September

Clacton      6           SbN               2  

Following storm Agnes leaving our shores, the SbN team drove into Clacton, hoping to put the wind up the Clacton team, who had won at SbN earlier in the year.

Unfortunately, the omens were not good with the tees being put back half an hour a couple of days ahead of the match, and the team order being changed on the day of the match, throwing your reporter into a state of panic. It obviously had an affect on our Captain too, as he had to run back to the clubhouse from the first tee as he had not changed into his golf shoes.

Match 1

Won 3&2   Malcolm Norton and John Russell

With a half on the first hole, our pair quickly got into their stride and won the next three holes. They lost the sixth but quickly regained their composure and at the turn were 3 up. The back nine was more level but, with John’s shots, he managed to par the difficult 17th to close the match out.  

A good example to follow Captain (and John).

Match 2

Won 3&2 Phil Boyland and Bob Filer

They must have copied their leader!  

A good team performance, always ahead and too strong for the Clacton pair.

Sir Bob never loses (except when he partners your reporter in Opens…sorry Bob).

Match 3

Lost 1 Down Phil Brennan and Ian Mckay

SbN boys knew they were in trouble when the 22 handicapper from Clacton parred the 1st.  Then the 16 handicapper parred three holes on the trot. The Clacton team also parred another five holes on the back nine.  Ian kept SbN in it with a couple of nice birdies but conceding so many shots was too much and lost on the last hole……..unlucky chaps.

Match 4

Lost 5&4 Gordon Bryan and Tony Carman

The team started well with Tony putting us one up on the 2nd. Then nip and tuck with Clacton moving one up, before Gordon and Tony managed to bring things back to all square at the turn.  All changed on the back nine with Clacton (well John their 20 handicapper who Tony had to give 8 shots to) managed to par the next 5 holes (a couple of which were net birdies).  Despite having 13 shots, Gordon could not compete (obviously his bandit days are over). Tony’s 8 pars were to no avail.  Having lost on the 14th Clacton’s secret weapon Tony decided to stop taking part and Gordon and Tony thrashed his partner Paul on the last four holes……too little too late even for Hambro scoring.

Match 5

Lost 4&3 Steve Stacey and Kevin Walsh

Never a good start when an opponent is introduced as “Bob the Bandit”.  No excuses, however, as SbN were well beaten and no “banditing” required. Steve and Kevin never got going and the Clacton duo closed out the match on the 15th.

Match 6

Lost 3&2 Trevor Waterhouse and Peter Garnett

Starting on the 17th which was a tricky par 3,SbN went two up after two, courtesy of Trevor even though he was giving 13 shots to one of the opponents. After six halves on the trot, the Clacton pair fought back to go to three up, a lead they held until the match was over, but Trevor and Peter did win the last two (too little too late again).

Match 7

Lost 5&4   Steve Mitchell and Kevin Price

Went two down fairly early on and were never really in the match.  Just chasing it.  Although Steve and Kevin didn’t play badly, they were no match for Clacton’s Tony, who played exceptionally well.  An enjoyable match all the same.

Match 8

Lost 5&4   Paul Sheffield and Colin Pottle

Colin had no shots and Paul was a cripple.  That said, Clacton’s Bill and Colin, played well. Paul needed to replenish his golf balls…….sounds like he lost more than me!!

Many thanks indeed to Gordon Bryan for reporting on today’s Clacton match.

Team ……….

     Malcolm Norton ( Captain) & John Russell

     Bob Filer & Phil Boyland

     Phil Brennan & Ian McKay

     Gordon Bryan (Reporter) & Tony Carman

     Steve Stacey & Kevin Walsh

     Trevor Waterhouse & Peter Garnett

     Steve Mitchell & Kevin Price

     Paul Sheffield & Colin Pottle

Upcoming match

11^th October v The Essex. Gainsborough

Summer Pairs Final 2023 for the inaugural Ray Firth Summer Pairs Trophy

On a splendid sunny Monday morning, The Captain and Vice Captain, ably supported by Mike Clare and Robin Owen, teed off to play the final of the inaugaral Ray Firth Summer Pairs competition. John, being the lowest handicap was giving Malcolm 8, Mike 13 and Robin 24 shots. 
John had to be on his A game and duly set the bar by winning the 1st with a birdie.
The 2nd and 3rd were both halved with Robin and Mike putting like demons. The 4th saw Malcolm overhit his approach to end up in the bunker to see John and Mike take another hole.

However, a par from Malcolm on the 5th and a nett par from Robin on 6th saw the match draw level.

The 7th went in Mike’s favour and halves on 8 and 9 saw JP and MC turn 1 up.

On the 10th, John took the corner on, only to clatter into the trees and lose his ball.

This opened the door and MN duly obliged and landed himself a favourable approach shot,  a par quickly squared the match.

Two monster drives by Captain and Vice on 11th and two good approaches saw them both with small chips on. John was so unlucky not to walk off with Eagle and even unluckier when Robin sunk his putt for a half.

What happened next was magnificent golf from all 4 players, every hole halved which meant the match was all square and one to play.

Robin with his 2 shots went first, despite striking the ball well, it dropped short into the pond. Malcolm next, nicely hit driver ended pin high right of the green, Mike ended up trees right and John just short right.

Robins second ball, having cleared the water was dispatched up to the green and narrowly missed the pin.

Mike played a fabulous shot from the trees to leave himself an uphill putt of 3 feet.

Malcolm chipped on but missed his par putt.

Robin had a go and despite going in the water, walks off with a creditable 4.

With John getting a 4, Mike had a putt to win the match and didn’t disappoint. 

The match was played in great spirit, amongst friends, and was a pleasure to be a part of.

Seniors Club Competition results

Monthly Stableford & Seniors Cup – Constable - 11th September

40 entrants in today’s Monthly Stableford and the annual running of the Seniors Cup, open to members over the age of 70 on the day of the competition.

Many congratulations to Stuart Gregory, the winner of Division 1 with an excellent 42 points. Stuart edging out one of our newer members, Adrian Ault, who came in with 40 points.

In Division 2 the winner was Yo-Yo man, Peter Garnett, playing his first competition for several years, who scored a great 43 points – and straight back into Division 1. This score also saw Peter as winner of the Seniors Cup. Chasing Peter was Kevin Price with a very good 40 points.

Leading scores ……….

Division 1

1st       Stuart Gregory              42 points
2nd      Adrian Ault                      40 pts
3rd       Bob Filer                         38 pts

Division 2

1st      Peter Garnett                    43 points
2nd      Kevin Price                        40 pts
3rd       John Russell                      38 pts

Winner of Division 2 and the Seniors Trophy - Peter Garnett

Winner Division 1 - Stuart Gregory

Past Senior Captains - Colne Valley - 15th September

An excellent day at Colne Valley GC for the 2nd competition of the year for the Past Seniors Captains Trophy.

The weather could not have been kinder and the course in excellent condition. 13 past SbN Senior Captains were able to attend this competition.

The winner of the highly prestigious Past Veterans Captains trophy was Steve Ling – well done Steve.

Leading scores over the 2 rounds

     1st      Steve Ling              65 points

     2nd     Malcolm Norton      62 pts

     3rd     Bob Filer                 61 pts on c/b  

Many thanks indeed to Norman Davidson for all of the arrangements on the day – extremely well organised.

Suffolk v Essex - Constable - 18th September

8x4 balls and a single 2 ball played out the annual competition between teams representing the counties of Suffolk and Essex – always a competitive fixture. Despite threatening weather everyone retuned to the clubhouse surviving a few modest showers. 

Always a tough competition, as this is played under Hambro rules, where all matches are played to the death and all holes counting.

Victory this year to the Suffolk team by 21 holes to 9.

               Essex                                                                        Suffolk

Eric Fisher                                    + 3 hole            Lionel Hatch

Pete Hele / John Parkinson                                            Malcolm Norton / Ian Bickers             +  3 holes

Tony Denmead / Del McWilliams     + 3 holes             Trevor Waterhouse / Brian Willsher

John Russell / Paul Sheffield                                          Norman Davidson / Robin Owen         + 5 holes

Ian McKay / David Seymour                                             Kevin Price / Mike Clare                      +5 holes 

Robery Ogles / Tony Carman                                          Richard Middleton / Graham Cork      + 3 holes

Toby Butcher / Andy Cracknell                                       Peter Jay / Colin Dallas                          + 3 holes

Niall Caven / Shikhar Chatrath        + 3 holes               Peter Garnett / Peter Robins

Mick Henry / Terry Mitchell                                            Adrian Cherry / Neil Ashwell               + 2 holes 

 Congratulations to the successful Suffolk team

Senior Captain/Vice Captain challenge

As you may know, the Captain has introduced a new challenge for 2023. Any pair wishing to take on this dynamic duo should contact Malcolm Norton, who will add your name to his list of opponents. There is no entry fee, although a donation to the Captain’s chosen charity for the year, EACH, would be gratefully received.

 Not played in September

SbN finals day

Many congratulations to our Senior members who were successful in making it to the recent SbN Finals Day.

Bill Wardle and Paul Sandfield did remarkably well in making the final of the Nayager Trophy although ended up runners up.

 Congratulations though to Richard Saunders, who was victorious in the Barber Cup, to Mark Clark, who along with his partner was successful in the final of the Spring Foursomes and to Jonathan Perry who won the Shaw Plate.

Many congratulations to all of you. 

 Final results ……………
     Shaw Plate – Jonathan Perry won 2up against Sam Wardle

     Nayager Trophy – Darren Selley & Richard Llewellyn won 4/3 against Bill Wardle & Paul Sandfield

     Barber Cup – Richard Saunders won 4/3 against Greg Smith

     Spring Foursomes – Mark Clark & Paul Golding won 4/3 against Tom Dean & Ben Lugton

Happy Birthdays in October to the following Seniors Members  (apologies if I have omitted anyone)–

John Simpson, Robin Owen, Bob Filer, Malcolm Spurgeon, Robin Nicholson, Brian Hemmings, Michael Isom, Martin Brown, Brian Butcher, David Watson, Tony Denmead, Colin Dallas, Brian Roloff, John Gough, Simon Oliphant, Andy Cracknell and David Humphreys.

Many Happy Returns to You All.

UPCOMING EVENTS  -  October

4th       St Andrews Greensomes
9th       Monthly Stableford & Millennium Trophy – Gainsborough
16th      Seniors Guest Day – Gainsborough
25th      Bogey competition – Gainsborough
30th      3 Captains Match & Annual Meeting & Prizegiving