Sussex Golf Captains
Sussex v Dorset
In an act of kindness, we are hosting Dorset in the west of the county. It saves them from travelling quite so far. We are also treating them to one of our nicest courses, the beautiful Ham Manor.
We made a good start to the season, with a draw and a win, the big question is can we keep this going?
Match 1
Richard Jays (Captain) and Justin Cooper (Captain) v John Skinner (Captain) and Trevor Snoxell
A tight first nine played in great spirit. The back nine belonged to Sussex, who ran out easy winners. Great companionship and good opponents made for an enjoyable day. Won 4&3.
Match 2
Andy Plowright and Paul Warley v Brian Hansford and Gary Edward
There was never more than one hole in it. Both pairs played ‘After you Claude, no, after you Maurice’ (Is that a French thing? I’ve never heard of it. Ed) on the front nine. Things settled down on the back nine, and we went one up on 13. We halved the next six to win the match. All in all, a very polite and friendly game of golf. Won 1 Up.
Match 3
Rasoul Shahilow and Nigel Wates v Peter Foster and Alan Bates
Peter and Alan were outstanding company. Rasoul was on his own, as Nigel was not at the races. Nigel posted a 91, his worst score since he was 7 years old. Playing on an excellent course, the visitors made the most of an errant Nigel, with eagles and 45-foot putts draining in from everywhere. We had fun laughing at Nigel. Lost 3&2
Match 4
Mitch Clark and Robert Holland v Nigel Mobbs and Barry Moore
There were lots of laughs and smiles before Dorset ‘Struck it Lucky’ (Come on, that's a good pun. Ed). They went well ahead, and Sussex staged a comeback before Dorset slammed the door in our faces. We were absolutely hammered, and we lost 4&3.
Match 5
John Taylor and Ian Richmond v Bryan However and Alan Hebditch
A good match, played in the right spirit. Some good golf, some questionable golf and some absolute rubbish. In the end, Sussex prevailed. Won 3&2
Match 6
Ian ‘Giff-Gaff’ Potter and Tim Ingram v David Woodruffe and Charles Foster (Another one? Ed)
Tim and Ian started well, winning the first four holes. After a determined fightback by David and Charles, we were three up at the turn. After Ian stopped to check his phone, we got stuck into the back nine, winning two more holes to close the match out on the 14th. Won 5&4
Match 7
Pete O’Neill and Phil Manser v John Coley and Andre Labouchardiere
Would you believe it? A friendly match played in good spirit (Who’d have thought it. Ed). John and Andre combined very well. Pete and Phil were never ahead in the match. The Dorset pair’s fist-pumping inspired a better response from the Sussex boys. All Square
Match 8
Keith Hayward and John Harker v Phil Purvis and Chris Watts
Would you believe it? ‘Great company’. If Chris could only hit it straight, he’d be off scratch. Can I come back next year? (I have no idea who wrote this, said it or what it was they particularly liked. Ed)
Result, Sussex 5 ½ to Dorset 2 ½
A comfortable home win for Sussex. There was nothing but praise from both teams for the condition of the course, the quality of the food and the warmth of the welcome from Ham Manor.
There was slightly less praise from the Match Report Editor for the scarcity of detail in the report. Our readers like to know about ham and eggs, nips and tucks and the back and forth of matches. They particularly like it when things don’t go so well!
Next up, we are travelling into the far north to take on Oxfordshire Golf Captains.
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