Aware that there was a speed awareness course at the venue John Perkins took his time in getting to Dainton Park. Having arrived and in what was to be a ‘changeable’ weather day he led Somerset to a memorable win.
First out was John and Peter Dawson playing against Bob Beeston and Gary Runham. This was a closely fought match with the result being in doubt all the way around. In the end an honourable half was the result.
John Gray and Simon Waddington were the better at amphibious warfare in the next match and during the sunshine intervals they managed a convincing win of 5 and 3 against Peter Dunston and Ian Black.
Being 3up after 9 it and dormie 2 it should have been another win for Andrew Cardus-Hall and Ian Robson for Somerset but Iain Neale and Ian Edwards birdied the last two holes to half what was a thrilling match.
A sensational start by Phil Barrett in getting a nett birdie on the first and with John Beer winning the second Somerset were never behind against the Devon pair of Brian Waggett and Phil Webb who were beaten 3 and 2.
An up and down match between Rob Load and Steve Welch for Somerset and Andy Land and Kevin Robson for Devon led to a close affair. The superb chipping of Andy was not enough and Somerset ran out 2 and 1 winners.
Displaying the escapology skills that Harry Houdini would have brought to Golf, Tony Charalambous (including playing from a bridge – see pictures) and accompanied by Match Manager Rob Fear, Somerset led from the start in this match. The unfortunate pair of Roger Bawden and Ray Clarke from Devon had to witness this skilful? turn of events and lost 5 and 4.
The course at Dainton was holding up well and it provided good golf in the next match with Rob Ford and Dave Bedford playing against Malcolm Jordan and Val Richards. The result was a 2 and 1 win for Somerset.
David Andow and Mike Usher Clarke blamed the cold and wet conditions for their 6 and 5 loss. They were well beaten by the Devon tailenders of Dave Smith and Keith Thomas. The only loss that Somerset suffered.
Even in the wet and variable conditions it was obvious that Dainton was a good course and the normal convivial good hearted chatter and the good company at the meal only ended a wonderful day in which Somerset won 6 – 2.
