On a day with a most miserable weather forecast, Somerset headed down the M5 and A30, almost as far west as they could, to the James Braid designed links at Perranporth, renowned for great views and blind shots over huge dunes. Following a very wise decision to delay the start of the match, the weather relented a little and the teams headed out wearing all of their waterproofs. Despite some occasional further rain and the very invasive Cornish “mizzle”, everyone managed to get round and a close contest ensued.
In Match One, Captain David Bate and Nigel Phillips took on Cornwall Captain Dicky Dickinson and his partner Peter Foxwell. A good game was played in great spirit and despite being rain affected, some great shots were played and some excellent putts were holed. The home team’s play proved too much for Somerset with the shots being given and the match went to the hosts, 5&4.
Match Two saw Richard Clist and Dave Rich take on Cornwall Vice Captain Mark Twynham and Colin Sobey. Despite a wandering golf bag being submerged in the pond on the 5th hole, Somerset stayed in the match until the final stretch, eventually losing 2&1.
Match Three pitted Matt Baker and Nick Prince against Gordon Trapmore and Laurie Sheppard. The group had an enjoyable day except for the weather and the match was very close until Cornwall pulled away from the 14th and ended up triumphing 3&2.
Match Four saw Paul Chesney and John Chillington take on Dave Bundy and Chris James with Paul having to give a lot of shots! Somerset were 1 down early but managed to get ahead as John used his shots to good effect. A steady round from Paul including a birdie at the 10th got Somerset to 2up. However, a stunning tee shot at 16 by Chris followed by a par with a shot at the 17th got the match to all square and a half was eventually agreed. Paul said it was the first time he had played against a garden gnome!
Match Five saw old buddies Matt Lazenby and Alan Hurford take on Steve Cox and Ross Oliver. Not surprisingly Matt had to give plenty of shots! The teams enjoyed lovely company and a course which was in very good condition. It was a very close game which Somerset managed to win 1 up. Matt and Alan said they would without doubt come and play here again and added their special thanks to their tour guide who gave them great directions!
Match Six saw John Beer and Peter Dawson take on Andrew London and Dave Lawton in what turned out to be a one-sided match. The Somerset pair said that it was a great course and even better company! After seeing Cornwall go one up early on, Peter then stole the show, winning 5 of the next 6 holes putting his team 4up at the turn. John and Peter played steady golf on the back nine and shook hands on the 15th after winning 5&3.
Match Seven saw Ian Gover and Paul Burns take on Darragh Dunleavy and Richard Burton in a very close match. The teams reported that they had a wonderful game of golf despite the rain and wind with the lead passing from team to team and the match only being decided on the 17th green after Paul kept Somerset in the game.
Match Eight saw a no-show for Cornwall result in Match Manager Steve Butterfield and Kevin Blakely take on Tony Pope on his own. The advantage was always going to prove decisive and Somerset brough home another point. Tony proved to be an excellent guide around the course which was in fine condition. First class catering and company made the day for Steve and Kevin.
The final result saw Cornwall win 4 ½ to 3 ½ – a repeat of the result last year at Minehead. So Cornwall won the shield yet again although this was a vast improvement on the 8-0 whitewash at Mullion the last time SGC headed west to the Duchy!
