Those present at last year’s fixture against Sussex may remember the embarrassing ice bucket situation! Due to exceptional circumstances the trophy hadn’t made its way to the match, so Somerset presented a (dirty) ice bucket to the victorious Sussex team.
Determined to right this wrong, Captain of Captains, Marcus, ably supported by the Match Manager Paul Chesney, presented Sussex with the real trophy (see main image) before lunch. Obviously, we were hoping we would soon be receiving it back after the match.
The day didn’t start well as Sussex’s Match Manager Andy Plowright & Mid-Sussex’s Club Captain hosted Marcus Woodward & George Davis. While Marcus & George were just enjoying playing together for the first time, the Sussex pair were ‘on fire’ & burnt their way through the holes, winning on 14th.
Mark Necker & Geoff Rooke were paired with Keith Huguard & Ian Jones. The Somerset team began slowly but dug deep & turned a 3 down scoreline around by winning six holes in a row. Their opponents didn’t give up but, in the end, it was a 2 up Somerset victory.
The third group enjoyed the interesting & varied golf the course offered. The front 9 was close but Sussex players Andrew James & Malcolm Holmes used their shots well, eventually beating Pete Pritchard & Colin Davies 3&2.
Behind them were Peter Dawson & Maddie Casson. The Sussex players Rasoul Shahilow & David Hemp made the round very entertaining & even comedically offered to count the game as a draw. Peter & Maddie refused, playing for a Somerset win, but sadly their hopes were dashed when they lost to a stunning putt on the 17th.
A similarly enjoyable match followed for Rob Load & Glyn Sewell who were playing Mitch Clark & Ben Legg. Great green reading & long putts from the Sussex pair meant they were able to secure a victorious 2&1.
The sixth group out, featuring Kevin Blakeley & Rob Hirons with another Kevin (Elphick) & Pete Hanley, was both close & enjoyable. The Somerset team finished the game 2 up. Whilst they beat their opposition, they lost to the rain & were soaked by the time they’d returned to the cars!
Match Manager Paul Chesney & John Beer were playing with Nigel Wales & Mick Grimes. The Sussex pair played some very consistent tidy golf. The game was punctuated with birdies, one each for Paul & John – but the final victorious shot, yet another birdie, by Mick meant the tie was over 5&3 on the 15th.
If you blinked, you would have missed the final group. They were last to tee off but first to the showers! Mike Rossiter (you guessed it!) & Rob Ford struggled from the outset & simply could not match the finesse shown by the Sussex pair Phillip Williamson & Ian Potter. The score was 7&6 to Sussex.
Once everyone had relaxed over drinks & a fantastic meal the all-important result was announced. To the disappointment of Somerset, it was a resounding defeat 6-2. To add insult to injury, this meant that poor Marcus had the unenviable task of presenting the trophy to Sussex – for the second time in one day!
So, the 2026 Tour finished with one win & one loss. Thanks to Paul Chesney for his work on organising a great trip. Our thanks too, to our opponents & to both Leatherhead & Mid Sussex Golf Clubs for making us so welcome.
