A warm and sunny day greeted the Captains from Somerset and Gloucestershire when they met at Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club on Thursday, the 7th of July 2022. Captain-elect David Bate was in charge of the team on the day and played in the first match alongside current Taunton & Pickeridge Captain Rob Darvell.
Both teams enjoyed a light lunch before Rob welcomed both sets of teams to Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club, which was in great condition having only just been used for a pro-am event, and the club championships on the previous weekend.
In match one, David and Rob played against Geoff Kowe and Eric Millard. Everyone enjoyed this great course. The match was played with good humour and with excellent appreciation for each other’s games. An excellent day and great company but a win for Gloucestershire by the margin of 4&3.
In match two, President Bob Acland and match secretary Iain Robertson played against Rex Parry and Ian Smith. This was a great game with Somerset always chasing the game. Somerset fought back to be only one down with two to play, when Iain struck a ball and stayed up in a tree! Gloucestershire well deserved winners and excellent company – another win for Gloucestershire by the margin of 2&1.
In match three, secretary John Beer and Clive Stilwell played against John Cummings and Shaun Pearce from Chipping Sodbury Golf Club. This was a terrific match, with Gloucestershire holding off John Beer‘s excellent performance – using his shots very wisely. Somerset went ahead on the back nine and Clive‘s tee shot to within 6 inches on the 16th saw them home by the margin of 4&2.
In match four, Phil Barrett and Mike Rossiter played against Mark Anderson and Brian Snook. Blind partner Phil and Mike came second after a great start. Forest magic came to the fore and Somerset feel they should have won but actually lost by the margin of 2&1.
In match five, Keri Allchurch and Captain of Captains Rob Ford played against Paul Mason and Clive Reynolds.” I’ve never had three birdies in a round before” said Captain of Captains Rob Ford, after shaking hands on the 17th green. His partner corrected in “You still haven’t – it was four!” A great match and great company and some great golf from the skipper to secure a win for Somerset by the margin of 3&1.
In match six, Mike Morfitt and Jeff Saunders played against John Dymock and Sam Collins. This was definitely a game of two halves. Somerset were five down at one stage (!) but actually nicked it on the 18th! Morf and Geoff were a great match for Sam and John who were great company. Somerset winning by being 1 up at the end.
In match seven, Paul Hucker and Glyn Sewell played against Keith Ashenhurst and Neil Cauling. It was a close game all the way round with a fair smattering of birdies by both sides. The match was played in great spirit and was enjoyed by everyone concerned. The only bad point was the golf buggy harassing us – especially when on the tee! (Chris Warcup)
In match eight, Stephen Butterfield and Chris Warcup enjoyed the great company of Mike Holder and Ed Kitchen. In a very close game, pars were incidental and birdies common. Both the course and the weather were excellent but Gloucestershire won by the margin being one up.
With all eight matches completed, the overall result was Somerset 4 Gloucestershire 4 – and Somerset retained the trophy which they won last year at Knowle Golf Club.
Both teams enjoyed the warm sunshine sitting on the terrace overlooking the magnificent views of the golf course before going into the dining room for a superb meal.
Witty and entertaining speeches by David and Geoff were followed by a rendition of “Happy birthday to you” to celebrate his 77th birthday of Gloucestershire player Ed Kitchen.
We would like to thank everyone at Taunton & Pickeridge for their superb hospitality and to match manager Iain Robertson for his organisation and administration.