Bedfordshire v Sussex

In this rather lacklustre summer, Sussex Golf Captains results have echoed the weather, with occasional flashes of sunshine, the odd heavy downpour, and a lot of grey drizzle. Our record stands at four wins, four losses and two draws. Next up were Bedfordshire Captains. For those of you who are not geographically minded, Bedfordshire is about three hours north of god knows where.

Match One

Nigel Wates (Captain) and Des' Multiball' Malcolm vs Dave McGarry and John Simpson

It was a sunny day, the course was above PGA standards, and the drives were straight…in whichever direction they were hit. John and Dave were great opponents, beating us on the last. There was good play from everyone, with lots of singing (? Ed) and plenty of shots that got away. We lost to a pair that played seven under par. Lost 1 Down.

Match Two

Richard Jays and Phil Williamson vs Robbie John and Barry Page

It was a pleasure to play with Rob, Barry and Phil. We all played as perfect gentlemen. The match was never more than one up, and the back nine was level until the 15th, which we won. We hung on to scrape a win on the last. Won 1 Up.

Match Three

Nigel Powell and Ian Potter vs Chris Foster and Dave Oliver

A friendly game, apart from the first seven holes, where Sussex were taught a lesson in golf. We were four down at the turn and looking for a miracle. Mr Potter found some magic, Sussex still lost but the company and the views made it a very enjoyable game. Lost 2&1.

Match Four

Trevor Haegar and Andy Plowright vs Paul Northcott and Syd Pniewski

This was a very tight match, played in good spirits (I needed a drink badly). We were two down at the turn. There were three birdies in the last four holes, one for Paul and two for Trevor, but the shots beat us. We lost a close-match one down after Trevor made a gross birdie on the last for a half. If Syd is off 25 at Leighton Buzzard, the R&A must be considering the course for the open. Lost 1 Down.

Match Five

Andy Lamb and Brian Hooker vs Chris Harwood and Mick Jennion

Now, what can I say about this? Well, we were done over, good and proper. We lost to par, net birdie again and again. There was no hope. Anyway, it was a lovely golf course and one to play if you travel this far north. Lost 4&2.

Match Six

Peter Rodger and Kevin Heanen vs Jamil Khalid and Steve Holloway

We had a great game with Steve and Jamal. There were nine birdies or net birdies (They don't count. Ed) on the first seven holes. Peter and I prevailed after a hard-fought match, and we won 2&1.

Match Seven

Ray Crane and Ivan Parnell vs Grant Brook and Richard Kensall

A really tight one (Oooh er Matron! Ed), flush with birdies (Oooh er Matron! Ed). Local knowledge was evident with the frustrating Grant1 Opportunities taken on a fantastic course and perfect company. Our great hosts played with the intent it should be played. Lost 2&1.

Match Eight

Mick Grimes and Steve Dillamore vs Steve Whitney and David Hawkins.

A Battle Royale (Isn't that a type of cooked French Goose? Ed) was fought today. Dave and Steve fought hard and fair. It was nip and tuck through nine until Mick, and I pulled ahead by two. Sadly, it wasn't enough; Dave and Steve's three wins in a row saw the match slip away from our grasp. Lost 1 Down.

Result Bedfordshire 6 – Sussex 2

There were a lot of close games, but Bedfordshire ran out the worthy winners.

We want to thank our hosts for being such great company and congratulate them on how well they used their strokes. It was the most pleasurable thrashing we have had this season. Let's hope they take good care of the BEDSEX Trophy; we'd like it back next year.