Sussex Golf Captains
Sussex v Devon
Match 1
Richard Jays (Captain) and Stephen Olliver vs Bob Beeson (Captain) and Jeff Laing
This was a highly competitive and often hilarious match, with Jeff chipping in on several occasions. Bob graciously handed over the honour to Jeff, who seemed to be playing against us single-handedly. This change spurred them on, culminating in Steve sinking a monster putt on the final hole. Won 1 Up.
Match 2
Nigel Powell and Des Malcolm vs Peter Dunstone and Brian Waggett
We knew we had a tough challenge after going two down through the first four holes. Some steady golf brought us back to all square after nine. Unfortunately for Des and Nigel, Devon found another gear and went on to win quite easily. The company was great, and the banter was both abusive and entertaining. Lost 3&2
Match 3
Keith Talbot and Alan Butcher vs Neil Hayman and Hamish Marshall
It was the first time Keith and Al played against opponents who didn't receive any shots. The match was very close, with the Home Boys (?) reaching the turn two up. Hamish narrowly missed two putts on consecutive holes. Sussex won three holes in a row to secure the match. Neil and Hamish were excellent company and found the course "interesting." Won 5&3. (Having lost to Hamish on the 18th at Saunton, I find this result pleasing. Ed)
Match 4
Terry Vanhinsbergh and Paul Warley vs Rob Tickell and Dave Smith
The Devon boys holed three very long putts early on to go three up. After that, it was an even match with some good golf, but we just couldn’t get the holes back. We finally lost to a birdie on the 17th hole. Lost 3&1.
Match 5
Kevin Elphick and Malcolm Holmes vs David Baker and Steve Spicer
Steve and David started strongly and went three up. We managed to pull one back at the turn and started the back nine aggressively, getting to one down. Finally, we were put to the sword on the 16th with a birdie from David. Lost 3&2.
Match 6
Ian ‘Giff Gaff’ Potter and Mitch Clark vs Lew Easter and Graham Heaman
The greens were levellers!!, There was never much in it, and we had a lot of fun. Dodgy buggy driving by Ian ‘Giff-Gaff’ Potter made life difficult. (See the slideshow! Ed). Lost 2&1
Match 7
Peter Brookshaw and Ivan Parnell vs Malcolm Jordain and Keith Thomas
Devon started slowly, letting Sussex go two up. They woke up after the turn, and we were all square after 15 before Devon gifted us the next hole. Ivan had a word with Brookie about the quality of his putting, so Peter holed out on 17 from the tee. (He needs to stop going on about it! Ed). Won 2&1
Match 8
Ken Penfold (79) and Norman Beaney (81) vs Val Richards and Roger Bawden
This was a very competitive match, played against two gentlemen. There was nothing to separate the teams until we won 13,14 and 15 to go two up. Won 2&1
So, there you have it. The first match of the season is out of the way. We managed a half, which is a bit disappointing on home turf. As for the day, with magnificent views, great company and an outstanding pie, we had a wonderful day.
The winner of the sweep for the length of Richard’s speech, 7 mins 45, can collect their winnings from the Match Secretary.
Next up, Hampshire at Ifield.
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
