Following a two-match unbeaten run, a home fixture at Royal Eastbourne gave us an excellent opportunity to make it three in a row. However, Cambridge captains are noted for fielding strong teams. The last time they came to Sussex, they beat us at Crowborough Beacon; no mean achievement.
So, with the rain clearing away, a gentle breeze and the promise of apple crumble for pudding, off we went.
Match One
Nigel Wates (Captain) and Stuart Alff (CC) vs John Thompson (Captain) and Steve Lang
Stuart, the Roayl Captain, was a star. We got off to a quick start and were soon three up. However, Cambridge pulled it back; John is a putter extraordinaire. Sussex held their nerve to win 2&1.
Match Two
Simon Watts and Trevor Haegar vs David Francis and Peter Nightingale
Losing the first five holes is never a good idea (You think? Ed). Trevor and Peter locked horns (Oh dear. Ed) on the front nine as Simon and David looked on in awe. The back nine was closer, but Peter continued in his relentless form, and we couldn’t close the gap. Cambridge were worthy winners. Lost 3&2
Match Three
Peter Brookshaw and Tim Lorence vs Chas Vincent (VC) and Mike Robinson
Chas and Dave were great company and good golfers. They went three up at the turn. We managed a late flurry of wins to go the 18th one up. A half at the last was good enough to win the match. We did well in coming back from three down against strong players. Tim was a brilliant verbal guide to the course (Do you mean he talked too much? Ed). Won 1 up
Match Four
Malcolm Holmes and Ian Potter vs Ray Smith and John Harris
Ray and John provided good competition. The match swung back and forth. We were one up at the turn, holding the lead until the sixteenth. Sadly, we had peaked, and we lost the last three holes. (Have you considered applying for the England Manager’s job? Ed). Lost 2 Down
Match Five
Kevin Heanen and Mike Rham vs Steve Kane and Tony Leigh
Mike and Kevin saw an early lead evaporate as Cambridge brought the match level after nine holes. The Cambridge fightback continued on the back nine and they ran out easy winners. Lost 3&2.
Match Six
Peter Hawley and Mitch Clark vs Stuart Warson (Hon Sec) and Trevor Clifton
Trevor and Stuart started off very well with birdies on the second and the fourth, giving them an early lead. Mitch and Peter dovetailed and were one up at the turn before pushing ahead. Peter made good use of his shots. Great company and a great match. Won 5&4 (That’s more like it. Ed)
Match Seven
Norman Beaney and Bryan Munday vs Alan Wood and Hugh Carlisle
Alan and Hugh took an early lead, winning the first three holes. Sussex then started to play, but this proved a false dawn. A dog licence was on the cards, but a late flourish prolonged the match until the decisive putt sealed a 4&3 win for Cambridgeshire. Lost 4&3
Match Eight
John Payne and Kevin Elphick vs John Fuller and Ian Bridgeman
What can I say? We had pleasant company who showed us how to play golf. Lost 6&5
Result
Once again, Sussex proves to be a happy hunting ground for Cambridge as they end Nigel’s two-match winning streak.
Everyone has asked me to thank Royal Eastbourne for a beautiful day. The food and service was excellent. The course is in top condition, and Stuart, their Captain, is a warm and genial host. Apart from the crushing defeat, it was a perfect day.