Thunderstorms, high winds, persistent rain and flooding prevailed in the lead up to this match but thankfully the rain had stopped by the time the first tee shot was taken. The course was in remarkably good condition – the practice putting green was underwater the previous day!
Good wins by Mrinal Madina and Chris Greet, Daryn Williams (birthday boy) and new member Sajid Zaib followed up by the evergreen combo of Steve Barton and Richard Freedman, gave the visitors a positive boost. Witnesses on the golf course confirmed that Richard was playing ‘in the zone’ – splitting the fairways, chipping majestically and holing long putts and all against our hosts platinum pairing.
But success does not always breed success. Autumn Meeting winners only a week earlier, Martin Cook and Finbarr O’Connor lost at the 17th so the pivotal match of the morning foursomes was the first match out : Mike Willey and Dave Ellis v Ian Edwards and Nick Ray. In a tight match, the score was all square with one to play. Nick was asked to putt an awkward putt from 2 feet to win the match which he manfully holed.
The first match after lunch saw Williams and Greet win handsomely by a dog licence in the first match. Nothing much was going right for the established pairing of Barton and O’Connor. Their opponents were playing well, had the rub of the green, were holing putts and stood 4 up after10. However, 6 of the next 7 holes were won by the XL Club pair in an unlikely turnaround to secure another point on the 17th green.
Outright victory was assured when Ian Edwards and Martin Cook won 3&2.
It was a very sociable day and I thank the members of Ashridge Golf Club for their generous hospitality. Special thanks also to Mike Keenan (Ashridge MM) for his excellent organisation and to Bryan Pickup for offering to play as a late replacement for the home side.
Finbarr O’Connor, Match Manager
Cover image: The long and short of it! – Finbarr O’Connor, Mark Gaunt of Ashridge GC with Steve Barton.
