Match Report – SGC V Sussex at Wells Golf Club – Tuesday 5th September 2023
Somerset welcomed Sussex to Wells on an unseasonably hot and sunny day for the penultimate match of the 2023 season. As the thermometer approached 30 degrees centigrade the home team were led by Captain Elect Mike Rossiter, looking for our 5th win in a season full of very close matches. 4 halves and 7 losses meant that a strong finish to the season was hoped for.
Mike Rossiter led the way with partner Mike McGrath in Match 1 against Andy Lamb and Sussex Captain Ian Potter. Despite Sussex setting the pace early on due to the home team struggling with the heat, the two Mikes began to claw back the match and ran out winners on the 16th green by 3&2.
President Roy Parmiter and partner Geoff Rooke were pitted against Joe Angella and Mick Grimes in what turned out to be another close game in Match 2. The pairs enjoyed each other’s company and the match came down to the 17th with Somerset only one down. A birdie on the Par 3 for Sussex ended Somerset’s resistance and the game ended 2&1 to the visitors.
John Beer and Phil Barrett looked like a strong pairing for Somerset in Match 3 playing against Nigel Watts and Bryan Fairbrass. Going one down early, Somerset were never ahead until the game reached the 18th at all square. The holes were always close and the match was played in great spirit throughout with everyone enjoying the course and the hot weather. A win on the final hole saw the Somerset pair home to put the home team ahead 2-1.
Match 4 would prove to be another closely fought game with Steve Butterfield and Rob Harding taking on Richard Jays and Mitch Clark. Despite being 4 up after 8 holes, Somerset were pegged back by the Sussex pair who went one ahead after 13. The match was nip and tack until the 18th when Rob used his shot to win the hole and the match – 1 up to Rob and Steve.
With a good lead for Somerset at halfway, Matt Baker and John Chillington took on Andy Ploughright and Brian Street in Match 5. Another close match ensued with very little in it all through on a hot and tiring day. This ultimately proved to be Somerset’s downfall as the buggy-riding Sussex pair had more in the tank at the end and ran out narrow winners by 2 holes.
Match 6 pitted Weston and Worlebury neighbours Keri Allchurch and Paul Burns against Phil Manser and Richard Bevan. After Richard chipped in on the 2nd it looked like a tough day was in store for Somerset. What followed was another nip and tuck game with great banter and played in the best spirit. 1 up on the 18th tee, Keri and Paul forced a half on the hole to win by 1 hole and put Somerset in a 4-2 position meaning that they could not lose. Could the final two groups secure the half point required?
Phil Stone and Gwen Cavill took on Rasoul Shanilow and Brian Hooker in Match 7. Ras managed to win the 16th much to Gwen’s annoyance and she narrowly failed to chip in to win the 17th. But the game ended on the 18th with a 2 hole win for the visitors and Brian’s birdie on the 8th was still being talked about which typified the banter and spirit of the match.
Captain David Bate and Maddie Casson were out in the final match against David Balfour and Peter Brookshaw. The Sussex pair were up early and despite Somerset pegging them back it was the visitors who came to the last hole 1 up. Despite Somerset’s best efforts they could not find the win they needed, and the Sussex pair won by 2 holes. A great day was enjoyed by all four players in great company.
So, 4-4 half for Somerset in yet another nail-biting match. The Sussex team were delighted to retain the trophy and start their three-match tour off with a celebration!
Next up for the home team is a tough trip to Torquay to take on Devon.
