Warwickshire Golf
1st Team Off to a Flier at Blackwell
To get our campaign underway we were welcomed by Worcestershire to Blackwell Golf Club.
The team selected to represent Warwickshire were:
Sam Easterbrook - Olton
Rob Bardsley - Moor Hall
Harrison Long - Moor Hall
Alex Ford - Robin Hood
Gary Skipp - Robin Hood
Darryl Gwilliam - Coventry
Matt Cryer - Coventry
Tom Ibbertson - Hearsall
Warren Bladon - Kenilworth
Ian Smith - The Warwickshire
Leading us off in the foursomes was Sam Easterbrook and Rob Bardsley who found themselves up against formidable opponents and after a very low scoring game Sam and Rob secured a 1 up win. Alex Ford and Harrison faced off against an experienced Worcs pair who got the better of our boys, 2&1 loss. Darryl and Skippy found themselves locked into a very tight match with there never being more than 1 hole in it. 1 down playing the last, a solid approach shot that nestled close to the hole was good enough for us get a half. Our last 2 pairings saw Matt & Tom (2&1) and Warren & Ian (3&2) win their matches giving Warwickshire a 3.5 - 1.5 lead going into the afternoon.
First out was Sam. He was facing Hugh Adams, both represent England at Boys level. Birdies and eagles galore from this pair saw the game go all the way to the 17th where Sam would finish up 7 under and win 2&1. Rob and Darryl secured our next 2 points, 1 up and a 6&4 respectively. Harrison was up against one of Worcester's finest (Adam Norman), never more than 1 hole separated them and unfortunately Adam took the point 1up. Alex was struggling with a tight chest, a dose of paracetamol with his lunch seems to have done the trick as he notched up a 2 up win. With the Draw now secured all we needed was a half point to push us over the line. We didn't have to wait long for this. Matt was 1 up on the 18th tee and despite losing the hole, the overall match was won. To finish the scorecard Skippy played solidly for his 3&2 win. Tom would be squeezed out 2&1 as would Ian $&3. Last man on the golf course was Warren and despite never being in front used all of his experience to pip his opponent on the last. This gave Warwickshire a singles win of 6.5 - 3.5 and an overall match win of 10 - 5
A great effort from everyone and a very promising start to the season.
I would like to thank Blackwell for their hospitality and presentation of the golf course and to captain Kieron Austin and his Worcestershire team for the spirit in which the match was played.
Last but not least, thanks to our President Mark Reynolds, his wife Debs, Pete Clarke & John Stubbings for their support on the day.
We now move on to Harborne on Sunday 4th June where we host Shropshire & Herefordshire.
Mike Pell - County Captain
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