Sussex Golf Captains
Sussex v London
Matches with London are always a lot of fun and usually close contests, which Sussex manage to win. The last time London came to Sussex, they suffered an ignominious defeat at Cowdray Park. This year, we took them to Mannings Heath, where Ian Jaggard acted as our host for the day. As many of you know, MH incorporates a winery on the estate, and we can confirm the wine is very difficult. It turns out Mr Jaggard is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic salesman!
But the important question is, would Sussex be popping the cork? Or would they bottle it? And hand the Bolly to London? More importantly, how would Johnny 'Two Pints' Nugent fare?
Match One
Nigel Wates (Captain) and Mitch Clark vs Clive Morton (Captain) and Jon Tyas
After a couple of pints with lunch, Mitch was off and running. He started birdie, birdie and was one over after nine. Nigel played the back nine (Harsh, Mitch, very harsh. Ed) In the face of such extraordinary golf, Clive and Jon took their defeat well. Won 5&4.
Match Two
Richard Jays (Vice Captain) and Brian Hooker vs Russell Pearson and Graham Jones
Sadly, owing to a diary error, Richard Jays spent the day in Littlehampton (Gentlemen of Sussex, Richard would appreciate it if this incident was never mentioned again. [Fat chance. Ed]). This left the heroic Hooker on his own. Brian had a great game with Russell and Graham, who were real gentlemen (Insert double entendre here. Ed). Sussex were all square after nine, but London won the back nine. Lost 4&3.
Match Three
Andy Plowright and Craig Millyard vs CK Lee and Jonathan Foster
CK and Jon played some excellent golf, even with Andy shooting six under his handicap (Great golf. Ed), the gentlemen from London were too strong. (Where was Craig? Ed) Lost 2&1.
Match Four
Ian Potter (Match Sec (Trainee)) and Phil Manser vs Bruce Leith and Paul Herting
After going two up after two, Bruce and Paul held on. Paul played good golf and used his shots well. As always, the game was played in good spirits. Unbelievably, Sussex won. Won 3&2
Match Five
Phil Williamson (Match Sec, Sensei) and Nigel Pearson vs Tony Metcalfe and Irvine Walker
Sadly, Nigel didn’t make it to Mannings Heath, so it would always be difficult, especially with the quiet and retiring Irvine getting eight shots. Tony scored 36 points. Phil fought valiantly, keeping the match going until the 16th. It was a chatty experience, with two excellent chaps who deserved to win. Lost 4&2
Match Six
Tom Hutchinson and Peter Brookshaw vs Rod Staples and Kevin Tye
It was a great game (You only get one of those. Ed) with Kevin and Paul. It was nip and tuck all the way around. Sussex were two up after ten. Four holes later, we found ourselves two down but got it back to all square on the 17th (Well done. Ed). Both sides missed chips on 18 for the win; a draw was a fair result. All Square.
Match Seven
Steve Dillamore and Alan Butcher vs Barry Lloyd and Andy Wilson
Sussex didn’t get off to a good start and quickly went one down. However, they pulled themselves together and fought their way to three up at the turn. It was then nip and tuck with Andy putting together a great run. Sussex finally won 3&1
Match Eight
Joe Angella and Keith Talbot vs Johnny 'Two Pints' Nugent (Top bloke) and Roger Wing
This always had the makings of a close match, and so it proved. John and Roger went ahead on the third and added two more holes to their tally to go three up. Back came Sussex, with Keith winning two holes to reduce the deficit at the turn (Hot Stuff Keith, I wish I was there. Ed). London re-established their three-hole lead before Joe stunned them with two quick wins, and Keith added one to level up the game at 16. Roger won 17, but Sussex snatched a dramatic half with Joe’s par at the last. Any suggestion John bottled it on the last, is unfounded; he did his best. A draw was a fair result; the company was great, and there was only a little rain. All Square.
Match Nine
Terry Vanhinsbergh and Simon Ward vs Dick ‘Dastardly’ McDaniel and Craig ‘Pedro’ Randall
With Dastardly Dick going out in 37, playing off 12, and Pedro being four over on the back nine, off of 17, this was a tough afternoon for Sussex. Sussex did play well, sharing birdies on the first two holes. Overall, Terry made three birdies and an eagle, but it still wasn’t enough (That’s some seriously good golf. Ed) Lost 3&1.
Match Ten
Peter Hawley and Paul Warley vs Gordon Tindale (86) and Alan Burrows
This was a g…. game. Gordon carried 11 (?) Peter and Paul dovetailed nicely but found themselves one down at halfway. Alan’s great tee shot and Gordon’s chip-in didn’t help matters. Paul birdied 10 to get it back to all square before Sussex went on to win 12,13,14 and 15. Peter sank lots of Denis Wise’s. Won 4&3
Final result 5-5 (For real this time. Ed)
So there you have it, another great match and a lovely day. Mannings Heath was in lovely condition, with good greens and a beautiful setting. The spirit between the two counties is particularly close, and this one is always an enjoyable fixture. Even the odd shower and the blustery conditions couldn’t dampen the fun. As for the showers, bloomin’ marvellous!
As many of you know, Ian Jaggard is the President of Mannings Heath, and whilst he cannot play golf, he served as our wonderful host for the day. He also, very generously, provided the wine for dinner. This was a wise move, which won him many friends and our abiding thanks.
The food was excellent, and the wine was delicious. Indeed, it was so good that most people went home with a bottle or two.
Overall, a draw was a fair result.
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
