Returning to Tall Pines, Somerset were eager to notch up a win against Welsh opposition in Gwent Captains. The day turned out to be sunny with only a light breeze to contend with – a blessing given some of the tight tee shots that the course presents. The conditions were good for scoring and the course was in great shape given the amount of rain that had fallen in North Somerset during July and August.
Somerset Captain David Bate and Tall Pines Captain Andy Farquarson took on Gwent Captain Dilwyn Bull and partner Andrew Eveleigh in the first match. Andy did his best to give the teams advice on the best line and the danger to avoid, although they did not always take his advice! Dilwyn played well and his birdie on the 14th – Stroke Index 1 – proved to be pivotal as Gwent ran out winners on the last hole – 2 up.
In Match 2, Steve Butterfield and Graham Load took on Match Manager Mike Hanner and Mike Nightingale in what proved to be another close match. It was a game of two nines in which the Gwent putting stood out in keeping the game alive. Several birdies were made, and good banter followed them – all the way to the 18th hole where Somerset eventually clinched it by 2 holes.
Phil Slater and Colin Davies took on Maurice Bridges and Gary Peppercorn in Match 3, which, like the previous games, was destined to go all the way. Despite being great company for the Somerset team, Maurice and Gary kicked their butts on the 18th to clinch the match by 1 hole. The teams enjoyed the company and banter throughout what was an excellent match.
Early setbacks meant that some wins were required from the middle groups but in Match Four, Colin Mantle and Glyn Sewell were unable to deliver one as Bill Morse and John Linton won a match that saw most of the early holes being exchanged. Bill managed to kick John’s ball up the fairway having not heard his shout of fore which reflected the good banter and company enjoyed by all four players. The match ended on the 17th with a 2&1 win for the Gwent boys.
Chris Hyldon and Murray Parsons were up early against Nigel Morris and Robbie Williams in Match Five in what turned out to be a game of two halves with Somerset 2 up after 9 holes and feeling comfortable. Robbie had different ideas and shot 4 under on the back nine, including an eagle and a near miss for a hole-in-one. This barrage was too much for the Somerset team who eventually lost on the 16th by 3&2.
Needing to win the remaining matches, Captain Elect Mike Rossiter and partner Tony Taylor took on Eric Brown and Alan Beach in a game that was described as being like Christmas – holes being exchanged like presents between families! In a match that was fun from start to finish, the Somerset boys felt that they had dodged a bullet in gaining a half.
Match Manager Paul Chesney and fellow ex-Vale Captain Jeff Saunders paired up to take on Chris Blight and Geoff Clark in Match 7. A slow start from Somerset saw Gwent take a 3 hole lead which Somerset set about reducing around the turn and into the back nine. After squaring the match, they then took a two hole lead after the 15th only for the Gwent boys to claw back a hole by taking the 16th with a shot. However, a birdie from Paul at the 17th clinched it and Somerset won by 2&1.
The final match pitted John Beer and Rob Hirons against Adrian Witts and Tony Tubb. Rob set off like a train and won the first two holes and then John chipped in. A fightback from Gwent saw them reduce the deficit to two at the turn and the back nine proved to be one of nip and tuck. But Rob’s par on the 14th with a shot and hitting the green on the Par 4 16th were enough for Somerset to see off the Gwent boys by 3&2.
So overall, a win for Gwent by 4.5 to 3.5 to edge in front of the records – 16 wins to Somerset’s 15 and 4 matches halved. Our trip to Gwent next year will hopefully see Somerset level up the series again!
Many thanks to Tall Pines Golf Club for their service and hospitality on the day and to Somerset Match Manager Paul Chesney and Mike Hanner for Gwent for their work before and on the day.
Up next for Somerset Golf Captains is a fixture against Somerset Past Ladies at Worlebury
