Sussex Golf Captains
Sussex v Hampshire
Heroes hamper Hampshire
The first match of the season ended in a disappointing draw at Lewes, the big question on everyone’s lips was, would we be able to secure our first victory of the season. With this in mind, we headed off to Ifield GC.
Match 1
Richard Jays (Captain) and Fahim Uddin (Ifield Captain) (26) v Idris Vernall (Captain) (84) and Andrew Dutton.
In a match brimming with banter and outright sarcasm, Andrew gave a masterclass in ‘sincerity without smiling’. Idris, through gritted teeth, congratulated Sussex on their emphatic win, while Fahim (26) wondered if this is what his future looked like. A cracking match. Won 3&2
Match 2
Phil Williamson (President) and Richard Cowlard (Chairman) v Paul Mantell (President) and Andy Hoult ()
Richard showed his leadership skills by holing two great putts on holes two and three. There after we ‘ham and egged it’ and never let our single figure opponents in (I wouldn’t let the handicap committee hear that. Ed). Great company, these were fine chaps who were very gracious in defeat. The result may have been different if Paul could have seen out of both eyes! Won 4&3
Match 3
Kevin Heanen and Malcolm Holmes v Peter Applegate and Paul Child
83-year-old Kevin’s short game was nothing short of spectacular, but even his heroics couldn't stop Peter and Paul from taking the lead. Sussex, however, fought back valiantly, and the match ended in a well-deserved draw. All in all, a fair result. All Square.
Match 4
Joe Angella and Peter Hawley v Corporal Kevin White and Sandy ‘Lucky $%^!’ Burrel
Kevin and the Lucky $%^! were lots of fun. We had a great time with them, unfortunately we couldn’t compete with Lucky. He shot 78 off a 13 handicap. We’d have still lost if the Corporal hadn’t been there! Even Joe’s magnificent Eagle didn’t halt their progress. Lost 5&4 (Lost? Absolutely hammered! Ed)
Match 5
Andy Plowright and Andy Lamb v Mark Wade and Alan Peters
We got off to a fast start and were three up at the turn. However, this lead soon disappeared, and we found ourselves all square after fifteen. We were starting to get concerned, until three solid pars came in andy (Sic). Alan and Mark were good company, and it was an enjoyable match. Won 2 Up
Match 6
Ian Potter and Kevin Elphick v George Harris and Barry Stevens
The Sussex pair raced out of the blocks, well, Kevin raced, Ian sauntered gently, and we were three up at the turn (Have I read this already? Ed). Ian used his shots well and had a couple of lucky putts (No. Ed). Kevin was only two over at the turn. George and Barry won the last. Won 6&5
Match 7
Terry White Van Man and Brian Hooker v Mark Bowen and Simon Gale
Hampshire’s ’18-handicapper’ Simon blew us away with six net birdies and a net eagle in the 13 holes played. He would have been three-up playing against all three of us. We played very well but had no chance as the golfing whirlwind blew through Crawley. Terry did make two two’s after the match was finished, but this was scant consolation. Lost 6&4.
Match 8
Ian Richmond and Keith Hayward v Adrian Nicol and Ian Hibberd
It was a delightful match with Adrian and Ian, despite our loss. Sussex's Ian and Keith managed to earn themselves new nicknames. Ian is now dubbed Sandy Ferret, thanks to his knack for finding bunkers, while Keith is called Shorty for leaving so many putts shy of the hole. Although, to be fair, Keith did manage a long one on the last hole. Quite glad I left the shorts at home. Lost 3&2
Match 9
Alan Butcher and Steve Tiggs v Brian Mortimer and Nick Leonard
Starting on the 10th, each side managed to plop a ball in the pond, but the hole was halved in par. A splendid run of three birdies soon put Sussex ahead. A birdie on nine pulled the Hampshire lads one behind. Then, ignominy struck, three further birdies by Nick put Hampshire one up on the 18th. Lost 1 Down
Match 10
David Kemp and Mitch Clark v Tony Ransley and Eamon Shiels
Flying out of the blocks, we were two up after three, but we lagged and bit and were one down at the turn. However, we woke up on the back nine and won four in a row. Our opponents were a 90-year-old Irishman, who was great fun. He still remembered all his childhood jokes. He acted as carer for his playing partner, Tony (80). Great fun was had by all, even if we nearly killed Eamon by walking him up a hill! Won 3&1
Result Sussex 5 ½, Hampshire 4 ½
There you have it, a victory for Sussex and one of the most fun matches we’ve had. Up next, Dorset at Ham Manor.
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
