On a bright day in August Somerset Past Captains invited Devon to play at Weston Super Mare. On a lovely day with only the slight tug of wind both teams met in the clubhouse to lunch and learn the pairs for the afternoon Fourballs. Devon were the holders of the trophy and also led the overall results but by using a links course which was well prepared and a credit to the club Somerset thought they could make ground.
The story of the day comes from the first match where Mike Rossiter (Captain of Captains) played with John Perkins against Jeff Laing and Malcolm Jordain. At Weston Super Mare Golf Club there are some gates between the fourth and fifth holes which are locked so that those using a buggy have to unlock to proceed to the fifth and sixth holes. Unable to use the code to unlock the gates Devon were left on one side of the road while Somerset were on the other. Taking pity Somerset came to laugh and help. Eventually the gate was opened and in a great game and with some outrageous putts on the 15th the game was finally halved.
Ian Gover and Ben Gliddon were next on the course, playing against Brian Steer and Dave Smith. A winning start from Somerset was soon turned around with David playing particular well, seemingly able to hit balls close to the flag from anywhere. Somerset in the end succumbed to a 4 and 2 defeat.
Matt Lazenby and Alan Hurford were up against the Devon pair of Kevin Robson and Neil Hayman in another cracking match. After going one up and then recording seven halves on the trot Somerset finally could not resist a late charge and lost 2 and 1.
At last Somerset won their first match with Andrew Balcombe and Phil Stone beating Brian Waggett and Ian Black 3 and 2. On the par threes Ian was an expert and Brian split every fairway but they were overcome in a tough match.
In the next match and due to an unfortunate event, Devon only had one player. Dave Andow and Chris Bryant and Mike Smith/Steve Ryder for Devon had a very friendly round with the result not being a necessary reflection of the spirit of the day. Somerset won by lots.
In an exciting match where the lead changed hands two or three times Clive Stilwell and Angela Baker from Somerset played Lew Easter and David Barker. With the game in the balance Angela sunk a huge birdie putt to bring the game back in reach but two nett birdies from Lew at the end closed the game out for a 2 and 1 win for Devon.
Peter Dawson and Graham Load had a tremendous tussle with Ian Edwards and Alex Williams. Again played in the right spirit Devon won the game on the last hole.
Rob Load and Steve Parker for Somerset played Rob Vooght and Clive Squire for Devon in a ‘nip and tuck’ game. 1 down on the 16th a birdie and a eagle on the next two holes from Somerset meant that they were 1 up going down the last. A birdie from Rob Vooght on the last made it all square. An excellent result for all.
After the match the hungry players eagerly ate a meal of pork and sticky toffee pudding which was received with gusto and many tales of how the players and missed putts and lost many balls.
The trophy was again presented to Devon after they had won the match 5 and 3.
Thanks the Weston Super Mare Golf club for hosting the two teams with aplomb and to Clive Stilwell for his excellent Match Managing.
