A warm and sunny day greeted both teams on Thursday, the 19th of May 2022 when Somerset Golf Captains welcomed the Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands Golf Captains to the Mendip Golf Club.
This was our first visit to the Mendip since the opening of the new holes on 17 and 18 so everyone was very excited about the day ahead.
Club captain Alan Roper partnered the Captain of Captains Rob Ford in match one against the Hampshire Captain George Harris and his partner Geraint Ingram. This was a great match played in a very good spirit. George and Geraint played very well but Somerset held them close right up to the very end, when the pressure just got too much and Somerset were one down.
Mendip president Tony Taylor partnered Phil Hodge in match number two against Idris Vernall and Roger Corkhill. It was a pleasure to play against Idris and Roger – despite Phil picking his ball up when he had a shot! Somerset still managed to pull through in the end to win by 3&2.
In match three, Phil Barrett and Tim Nicholls played against Jeff Warrington and T Smith. It was a pleasure to be “Jeff’ed”! A superb round of golf right by Jeff – so there is nothing Somerset could do about it. Somerset lost by 7&6! But despite the score everyone thoroughly enjoyed the match – including the two final holes.
In match four, Keri Allchurch partnered former Mendip Captain Jim Boyce against Brian Knight and Adrian Bell. What a superb day! Brian and Adrian hopefully enjoyed the course playing against Keri and Jim. it was a close front nine but Keri and Jim came out smiling on the last three holes to win 4&3.
In match five, Colin Davis and Paul Hucker played against Barry Stevens and Ernest Hoskins. It was a close match in good company. Barry and Ernest were great company and slotted in to dove-tail better than Paul and Colin. Hampshire winning by 2&1.
In match six, Nick Bye and Martyn Clapp played against Andy Holt and A Shield. Somerset lost by 5&3 but it was a pleasure to play against an Irish bandit!! Good fun nevertheless.
In match seven, Stephen Parker and President Bob Acland played against Hampshire Secretary Martin Bennet and Ray Manning. It was a lovely match with Somerset three up at the turn and all level after 12! ‘Nip and tuck’ until pars on 17 and 18 secured a win for Somerset who were one up at the end. Great company with the course in lovely condition.
In the final match, John Chillington and Rob Fear dovetailed well against Simon Smith and Mike Kelly. Somerset were helped by John’s 14 shots and eventually won by the margin of 2&1.
And so, on completion of all eight matches the overall score was “match halved” with Somerset 4 and Hampshire 4.
Everyone agreed they had a lovely day with great company and a very appropriate result, which meant that Somerset retained the trophy for another year.
All the players enjoyed a superb meal and great company in the clubhouse after the golf and we would like to thank Mendip Golf Club for their hospitality and support.
Thanks also to President Bob Acland for his organisation as match manager.