The match vs West Hill was played earlier than normal due to fixture congestion at our host’s course. Despite this, we were treated to some fine weather and the course was – as ever – in immaculate condition.
The Match Manager, Martin Lawrence, was unable to play as he had been declared Off Games by Matron and it fell to Steve Barton to act as the XLGS representative on the day. A big thank you to Steve for doing this – all the more so as he had just stepped off a plane from Turkey the night before… His match report follows:
We were made very welcome by Captain Craig Kimber on arrival to West Hill. All the XL team arrived in good time, including Finbarr who was so busy talking to Alistair outside he hadn’t noticed anyone else was present until he was reminded it was ten minutes to the first tee time!
The first match teed up on time in beautiful sunshine with the course in immaculate condition.
The morning matches were generally close and we ended the morning round just behind 3 matches to 2.
S Barton & F O’Connor Won 3&1
N Hiilard & A Defriez Lost
D Blackmore & Roy Gray Won 2&1
A Ewart & S Wilmhurst Lost
B Pickup & J Steven Lost 3&2
A convivial lunch followed covering a broad spectrum of subjects: politics, South Africa, teaching and National Service being just a few.
This might have continued but for the 2pm afternoon tee time with the Forty Club urged on to reduce the morning deficit.
We fought hard in the afternoon winning the first two matches and halving the third. Although the fourth was lost the final match went to to the very last hole before conceding. So with the afternoon drawn 2 1/2 – 2 1/2, the overall match result was a win for West Hill by 5 1/2 to 4 1/2.
B Pickup & F O’Connor Won
N Hillary & S Wilmshurst Won
D Blackmore & A Defriez Halved
A Ewart & J Steven Lost
S Barton & R Gray Lost
Drinks on the terrace rounded off a lovely day’s golf. Thanks were given to match managers Rob Rowcroft and Martin Lawrence for their hard work in getting us together before sending us on our way home.
All involved are already looking forward to next year’s match!
Steve Barton and Martin Lawrence
