Sussex v Dorset 

Our second match of the season saw Ian Potter host the Dorset Captains at Pyecombe Golf Club. It is always a pleasure to visit Pyecombe; this beautiful downland course provides great views, a great layout and excellent food. What more, apart from victory, could you ask for? 

Match one

Ian Potter and Pyecombe Club Captain John Jago took on the Dorset Captain Peter Bricknell and Bryan Howe.

The Dorset captain, Peter, started well; eventually, Bryan joined in. Our guests were two up at the turn, but John's local course knowledge came to the fore; he put his foot down, and we won 2&1.

Match two

Brian Street (President) and Ivan Parnell took on Rick Dodd and Ralph Nubeebuckus. This was a tight match, swinging one way and then the other (ohhh…matron. Ed). Sussex went one up, and then it was level for three holes before we went three down, and then it was back to all square. Eventually, Sussex won two up. The visitors loved the course and the fantastic weather although they weren't so sure about the company.

Match Three

Nigel Wates (Vice) and Trevor Haegar squared up against Simon Etherington and Stephen Close. Three birdies on the first hole set the tone for a great match, and Simon made five birdies, including one on the 18th. With 12 birdies between us, it was a memorable game. We were three up with three to play; Simon managed a birdie on 18 to end the match All Square, which was a fair result.

Match Four

Simon Edwards and Bryan Mundy took on Nigel Mobbs and Mark Dobbs (4). The Dorset pair birdied the first before making life difficult for the Sussex players. Nigel and Mark scored one-under-par gross score! Despite our best efforts, they won a well-deserved victory.   

Match Five

Terry Vanhinsbergh and Brian Hooker squared up against Alan Bates and Neil Paul. We were told to call Alan "Basher", and we soon found out why as he "bashed" us up to go three up. Some half-decent play, especially from Brian, brought it back to all square before we gave the 17th away. Terry's tee shot through the 18th upset them, and Sussex won the hole for an honourable half.

Match Six

Keith Hayward and Peter Hawley took on Chris Lay and David Kimberly. Keith and Peter played well together, dovetailing nicely. We went three up early on, held our nerve and saw out the match. Nothing exciting happened except the weather was great; there was no wind. (Sorry I missed it…Ed). Won 4&3

Match Seven 

Steve Tigg and Keith Talbot faced up to John Skinner and Ian Bakewell. After Stiggy nailed his drive on the first to about 12 feet, the Sussex Boys halved the hole before playing some solid golf. They led four up by halftime. Ian was upset that a fellow Dorset player had nicked his allocated buggy and that every hole was uphill. John managed a spectacular birdie on the 8th, which was only matched by Keith's on the 15th. Amazingly. Keith had also driven the long par three, 13th. Stiggy continued to contribute strongly, and we eventually ran out winners five and three. John and Ian were excellent company throughout.

Match Eight

Paul Warley and Norman Beaney faced Dave Thomas and Alan Hebditch. Paul and Norman had a delightful game against Alan and David. Paul said, "It was a pleasure to partner Norman, who talked us all round with his knowledge of Pyecombe". We were four up after four, and then the Dorset fightback began, but we put on the accelerator to win five and four.

There you have it, another brilliant day in the Sussex countryside. Ian Potter's winning run continues. Our players seem to rise to the challenge of these matches, and they are great days out.

Sadly there is no food and drink report this time…Although we did sell two shirts!

Next up, Hampshire at Eastbourne Downs.