Sussex v Buckinghamshire

Finally, we get to the last match of the season. It’s been a long one. It’s fair to say that we have had our ups and downs; nevertheless, it has been a lot of fun.

We play 15 matches across the season, with the principal aim being to win more than we lose! Currently, the score stands at 7 ½ to 6 ½, so a win would mean a successful end to the season, whereas a loss would mean we finish all square. (Get on with it. Ed)

Match 1

Richard Jays and Malcolm Holmes v Bob Barnes and Richard Nightingale

We got off to a cracking start, with Richard making a birdie on the first. He then jinxed it by saying, “That’s a bad sign!” before going on to prove himself right. It was a hard-fought game, with good company. Lost Again 4&2

Match 2

Phil Williamson and Ian Potter v Gordon McMurdo and Rod Jones

This was an even game until Phil won three holes in a row. We held on to this lead through the turn. Two more birdies from Phil upset Rod and Gordon, but they took it like gentlemen. Ian contributed on two holes (17 & 18? Ed). Won 3&2

Match 3

John Macauley and Kevin Elphick v Paul Graves and David Balfour

Unfortunately, Sussex were one player down in this match. I (John) was left to play against the two young bucks. The match swung in Sussex’s favour over the front nine, but a great fight back put Bucks two up with two to play! (Exciting stuff. Ed) Playing some magnificent golf,  I managed to win the last two holes and halve the match. (Easily the performance of the day, John, well done! Ed) Half

Match 4

Andrew James and Andy Plowright v Simon Britnell and John Sperry

A beautiful presentation of a great course, with flags exquisitely positioned and pacey greens, which we enjoyed more than our opponents. Despite being called Andrew and Andy, they never got our names in the right order; otherwise, they were very obliging in losing ( Which was handy.Ed) Won 5&4

Match 5

Keith Hayward and John Luke v John Pettit and Rob Southerden

A great match as John Luke took on John and Rob. JL went three up after nine, before giving them a chance on the back nine by dropping us back to two up. John won the 13th, a long par three, to bring it back to three, before I finally did something, winning the match on the 15th. Won 4&3

Match 6

Harold Knight and Mitch Clark v Roger Warren and Tony Jefferies

The Bucks boys found the course rather tough. Clark and Knight were seasoned pros at Pyecombe. Mitch was glad he had a buggy. Sussex were never behind. We had good fun. Won 5&4

Match 7

Peter Hawley and Mick Grimes v Alan Thompson and Terry Loughin

Terry and Alan were great company, and they raced off to a five-hole lead after six holes. However, we found our mojo and won four holes straight off, before going one up. The match ended in a draw. Halved

Match 8

Peter Brookshaw and Nigel Powell v Gerry Cotter and Chris Brown

Chris and Jerry started well; they gave us a bit of a challenge. However, as time went by, the hills caught up to the Bucks, and Sussex ended up with an easier win than they deserved. Won 4&3

Result Sussex 6 – 2 Buckinghamshire

A fitting end to a great season. Well done to Richard and the team. Special thanks go to Pyecombe; the course was in exceptional condition, with fast greens and challenging pins.

Sussex finishes the season in the black.