As we all know The Mendip is a course that has glorious views and this and the presence of 32 seasoned golfers only enhanced all those that were privileged to partake in what was a wonderful match.
Extremely well organised by Match Manager Colin Davies both teams appreciated the sandwiches and chips before they progressed to the first tee.
Starting the match were Mark Necker, the Captain at The Mendip and Marcus Woodward, Captain of Captains, who played Martin Lester and Grenvill Rose from Worcs. This competitive match played against 2 experienced players went Somerset’s way who edged it 2up in a tight game.
Rob Hirons was surprised to be going out so early. Paired with Glyn Sewell the match against Andy Simmonds and Kevin Woodham was an enjoyable and close match played in great spirit. After sharing holes early on all settled down to mediocre golf. After winning a couple of holes with the help of the flag Worcestershire fought back. Luckily Somerset (well Glyn, Rob 3 putted) won on the last!
Somerset were quickly out of the blocks in the third match going 2up after 2. It was looking good for Paul Chesney and Geoff Rooke who were playing Richard Hardy and Graham Dumphy. It stayed that way until Richard’s shot of the day at the 6th, a 55 yard pitch in showed some fight. Geoff and Paul won 8 and 9 to be 3up at the turn. Richard and Graham then won 10 to go 2 down. They then won 15, 16 and 17 to go 1 up for the first time. A half on the 18th gave Worcestershire the win 1 up.
In match 4, Ian Gover and David Andow were outclassed by Steff Kotlarzewski and Jim Pearce who dovetailed together to dominate the match. Nothing went wrong for Worcs with at one hole and being 20 feet away from the pin Jim saying ‘What will you think if a sink this?’. Ian used a word which is not publishable to let him know what he thought after the ball disappeared into the hole. A very enjoyable way to lose 5 and 4!
John Beer and Mark Moorfoot who were playing Phil Macdonell and Peter Cooper, thought they were in for a game after Peter, who plays off 23 birdied the first. Somerset battled back to 1 up at the turn and 2up after 14. Peter won the 15th bring the game back to all square. John won the 17th to put Somerset back into the lead only for Peter to win the 18th to finish a marvellous contest all square.
Jeff Saunders and Robert Fowler also halved against Steve Collins and Mike Kriese in another tight game. With all four players thinking the course was in great condition and with plenty of chat and friendly banter a half was a fair result in a great competitive match.
Colin Davies and David Willis were always behind against John Palmer and John Warham. Somerset struggled to stay with Worcs but as with all the matches it was played in an excellent spirit and with great enjoyment. Somerset lost 4 and 3.
The whole match was now in the favour of Worcs and Iain Robertson and John Whitewood who were playing against Marty Wilde and Alex Bishop were all square after 13 holes. This is where the President, Iain and his side kick John decided that the honour of Somerset was at stake and they won the next 3 holes for a good 3 and 2 win for Somerset.
After playing a course in wonderful condition, the meal of duck (the only birdie several players saw all day!) followed by a wonderful pudding, all agreed that it had been a wonderful day and a draw was a tremendous result.
