Sussex v Cornwall

Breaking News: Sussex still unbeaten!

We returned to Bognor for the second year running. Once again the sun was out and the expectations were high. We were taking on the Cornwall Captains. This was their first game on their annual tour, so they were up for the fight. As King George V famously noted "Bugger Bognor!", the question is, would we? 

Match One

Ian Potter (Captain) and Mitch Clark (Supersub) p layed with Dicky Dickinson (Captain) and John Bassett. Supersub came off the bench to enjoy a lovely afternoon riding around in Harry’s buggy. Dicky and John were initially blown away (lucky fellows. Ed) but came back strongly; then Harry found his game. It was great fun. Won 4&3

Match Two

Joe Angella and David Kemp were up against Cornwall’s IPC, Steve Davies and Laurie Fisher. If only Joe had remembered that he played with Steve at Perranporth last year, much embarrassment would have been saved. We were slow out of the blocks. Two birdies by Joe put us in a good place and undid David’s unerring ability to find his opponents balls (Oh, Matron! Ed). David spent so much time in the bunkers he qualified for a free camel; this allowed the Cornwall pair to fight back to make it a close game. Won 2&1

Match Three

Richard Jays and Bryan Fairbrass entertained  Gary Faraway and Ross Oliver. In a match report noted for its brevity; the company was excellent, and we all enjoyed the course (not too many hills). Richard gave us all a lesson in putting. Not that this helped the Cornwall pair. Won 6&4.

Match Four

Brian Street and Bryan Mundy were pitted against Terry Dickinson and Paul (Bryson) Collins. It was a great game, the Brian’s got off to a flying start, two up after four, then Bryson drove the green, and so it continued. It was the Life of Brians as the very naughty boys Won 1 Up. 

Match Five

Ivan Parnell and Steve Dillamore were up against  Graham Cowls and Steve Cox. Cornwall got off to an impressive start, reaching the first in two. It was downhill for Sussex. On the 13th, we were on the up, but a birdie on stroke index one put them three up. The big boys from the west country got their banjos out and became stronger; there was no way back. Lost 3&1.

Match Six

Keith Talbot and Pete Rodger entertained Andrew London and Mike Pamphilion. Four  good drives off the first suggested a close encounter and so it proved.  Although Pete produced an array of pars and a birdie, and Keith giving strong support, the home team were only 2 up at the turn, despite being 2 under gross.  Andrew triumphed at the par three 10th to halve the deficit but finally Keith’s shots proved decisive; a net birdie on the 11th followed by a net eagle on the stroke index 1 twelfth. The contest finished with another Keith net birdie on the 15th, Sussex running out 4&3 winners. The Cornish lads made this a brilliant match, far closer than the score line suggests.  Won 4&3. (Note to Keith, no the Sec won't bother our readers with tales of tardiness.)

Match Seven

Kevin Heanen and Nigel Evans played with Garry Sullivan and Beau Meagor. Gary and Beau were great company and putted like Gods. Kevin’s advice was extremely helpful if only I had followed it. Kevin also likes collecting ball retrievers (It’s the 21st Century, we don’t judge. Ed). Lost 4&3. 

Match Eight

Nigel Wates and John Macauley played John Stanforth and Mike Norfolk. John had two shots from Mike in five holes and Nigel had four birdies. John commented that he had driven three hundred miles to see Doom Bar, so he was not happy (TBF, he never is. Ed). Won 7&6. 

Sussex won 6&2

So, there you have it. It was Cornwall who cried "Bugger Bognor!". Another cracking days of golf, Harry's unbeaten run continues and we got lots of pictures of happy people. As for the beer selection, John was right; the Doom Bar is no longer a beer to get excited about and the London Pride is best enjoyed in London. 

Footnote

Keith had Pete Brookshaw as his caddy as the latter was doing his “Yosser Hughes” impersonation. Both teams benefited from “his advice” which was limited as he has only been a Bognor member for two months!!

Then again, his fee was only a pint of lager…….

Next up, it is London at Wyke Green. We may be able to enjoy a drop of London Pride in its home town!