Result – Match Lost  2 - 6

​

Sixteen of our number met up at Chipping Sodbury on a warm, sunny morning for this inter county match. After an excellent ploughman’s lunch we teed off in pleasant conditions on this superbly presented course.

​

I had the good fortune to be partnered with Andrew Harris, this year’s Captain of Chippy, who played well off his handicap of 4 in his first outing for our association. (Yet another new, young member of our association.) As a result of his steady play we managed to salvage a half against a very good pair. The 18th being halved in birdies. We were up against John Linton, the SWC Captain who also plays for Gwent, and his fantastic partner Tony Dobbs who played some exceptionally good golf. His phenomenal short game and distance control on approach shots enabling him to play to 7, one over gross for the back nine holes.

​

Jim Ford & John Cumming, playing on their own track, scraped another half and discovered in the process that WHS actually stands for Welsh Handicap System! Our only win was recorded by Geoff Lowe, 2022 Vice- Captain elect, and Sean Dunne who prevailed 3&2. President Ian Smith & Derek Newton (Spring Cup joint winner) unfortunately lost on the 18th one down.

​

Sadly Dereck Buttler & David Wall lost 3&2, Shaun Pearce & Trevor Hole lost 2 down and the plan to back load our team misfired again as Joe Betty and Geoff Anderson lost heavily to a pair containing the only lady player, who was giving shots and allegedly played well below her handicap. Our final pair of Robin Hannigan & Malcolm Franklin in the buggy parade with the two oldest members of our visitors also lost heavily.

​

We were exceedingly well looked after by the bar and catering staff. Each fourball dining separately with copious amounts of red wine and good scoff. Andrew was asked to pass on our thanks to the members and management for facilitating our event.

​

There followed two addresses from both Captains and as I was unsure as to whether we played this team for a trophy, having done so in our two previous matches, John Linton was presented with a virtual trophy in the shape of a stout, fresh leek. I look forward to meeting him again at Cotswold Edge when we play against Gwent Captains on 8th July.

​

 

Sam Collins.

​