Warwickshire Golf
Men's 2nd Team v Worcestershire Report
Warwickshire 2nd vs Worcestershire.
The first league match of the season was upon us at Stratford Oaks GC on 07/05/2023. The overnight weather had not been kind with over a weeks worth of rain falling overnight. Thanks to the amazing work of the green staff the fixture was able to go ahead.
Team Selected
Cameron Bridger (Maxstoke Park)
Stuart Bloxham (Coventry Hearsall)
Lee Podmore (Harborne)
Stephen Keay (Harborne)
Alex Spencer (Ladbrook Park)
Finlay Stokes (Maxstoke Park)
Will Bailey (Moor Hall)
George Allen (Olton)
Richard Bush (Coventry)
Paul Reeves (Ladbrook Park)
After the essential bacon sandwich, it was onto the morning foursomes. With golf carts not allowed for the day it was going to be a tough task for me to keep the on course snacks and drinks in the right place.
Morning foursomes went out in the following order:
Cameron & Stuart
Lee & Stephen
Alex & Finlay
Will & George
Rich & Paul.
The weather had changed for the better but the course was still a little wet under foot it was always going to be tough scoring conditions. I positioned myself in between the 6th green and 7th tee. As the team came through we was down in the first match but the next four were extremely close with only a one hole between each match. It was clear this was going to be a close game. With the first point going to Worcester from the first match I looked as though we could be taking a small deficit into the afternoon singles. The back four games all still close it was good to see us close out two of the final 2 games and half one. Match even going into lunch.
Although the rain held off going into the singles the wind was starting to pick up. With their number 7 having a family emergency Will was given a walk over and it gave us out first point.
Singles order as follows.
Cameron
Stuart
Lee
Stephen
Alex
Finley
Will
George
Rich
Paul
With Cam coming up against an inspired Worcester player the first point went to Worcester. Each match that came through the first 7 holes were tight. I was beginning to think this could go right down to the wire. As the matches reached the final few holes it was becoming clear the last hole was going to be really important. Most matches had just one hole in it either way. But having watched most of the Bears play the final hole it was clear to see we was holding our nerve best. With 6 matches going down the last including we managed to take 4 points. To give us a half in the match overall. This was to closest of games with nothing to separate either side. Final result 7.5 each.
Thanks to all of the team for their support and excellent play, it was a really well deserved half point which could be vital in the final league standings.
From myself, the team and Warwickshire I would really like to thank Stratford Oaks GC. The club had arranged for all of its green staff to work Sunday morning specifically to get the course ready for us. I think they did an amazing job to keep the course open and the bunkers playable. So thank you very much.
Also with my right hand man Nev sunning himself in Malta it was left to Mike Bridger to keep me company and support the team as he always does. So thanks Mike.
Onto the next game. GO BEARS!
Chris Staite
2nd Team Captain.
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