The Gwent team arrived at Worlebury on a bright and sunny day with a stiff westerly breeze promising to make the course a bit of a challenge. Following a light lunch the teams were announced, and the matches began.
The course was in excellent shape given the dry period and the greens were widely applauded as they were smooth and receptive. The hospitality and welcome from Worlebury Golf Club was noted by everyone – thanks from us all!
First out for Somerset in Match 1 were Captain of captains John Perkins and his partner for the day, Mark Necker up against Gwent Vice Captain Jeff Childs and Garth Lamb. The game was even for a while before Somerset began to pull clear. All of the four hit the 12th green with their tee shots and Jeff’s 35 foot putt looked to have won it for the Gwent boys until Captain John followed him in for the 2 and a half. Somerset eventually wore down the opposition and ran out winners by 3&2.
Match 2 saw home Club Captain Jon Dyer and buggy driver and President Iain Robertson up against the always colourful Dilwyn Bull and Mike Mahoney. The Gwent team ground their opposite pair down, despite Iain’s outstanding putting and hands were shaken on the 16th green after a 3&2 win for the away pair.
In Match 3, Rob Darvell and Colin Davies were facing Dave Jones and Rich Curson. Dave was giving a shot to Rob but 16 and 19 to Colin and Rich. Colin’s use of his shots proved to be the decisive factor and the Somerset pair edged out the Gwent pair on the last hole.
Match 4 was another tight affair in which the lead changed hands and was never more than 1 hole. Steve Parker and Glyn Sewell for Somerset and Lea White and Remo Basini for Gwent enjoyed a cracking match. A strong finish from Somerset, winning 15 and 16 and then halving the last two holes, saw them clinch the game by 1 hole on the last.
With a 3-1 lead, it was looking good again for Somerset as Match 5 pitted the two Robs – Ford and Hirons – against Steve Nicholls and Nigel Morris from Gwent. Despite the strong pairing, Somerset were unable to deliver the point, losing 4&2 in a very enjoyable match.
Match 6 saw home Club Chairman Graham Hewlleet and Bob Acland take on Dave Harris and Adrian Bray. In what was clearly another tight match, Graham and Bob off and triumphed by 2&1 to put Somerset ahead by 4-2 with two matches to come in.
Unfortunately, Clive Stilwell and Mark Swallow were outplayed throughout their match against Andy Eveleigh and John Linton, only managing to win one hole. The heavy 5&3 loss set up the final match to decide the outcome. At least Somerset would not be able to lose!
Match 8 saw Ben Gliddon and Tim Nicholls against Bill Jones and Ollie Davis in a game where the handicaps were closely matched. Bill was the solid player all the way around and the Somerset boys could not wrestle any control of the game. Gwent eventually won the game 4&2.
So another halved match overall with our friends from over the bridge and yet another trophy retained by our opposition. Treasurer Paul Chesney will perhaps appreciate the limited engraving bill for this year but surely there is a win coming soon for Somerset?
Next up will be a visit from our friends at Dorset Captains to The Mendip Golf Club on 31st July. This is a Trophy that we currently hold after an excellent 5-3 win at the beautiful Isle of Purbeck in the heatwave of 2024.
