Warwickshire Golf
BEARS HUNT DOWN FOXES
Date: 17th April 2016
Venue: Hearsall Golf Club
Captain: Stuart Bloxham
Our second and final friendly of the year was against Leicestershire and Rutland at Hearsall Golf Club.
With LRGU coming off the back of two victories against Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire this was always going to be a tough test for us; a welcome test at that.
The sun was shining on a Hearsall Golf Club. With the course in fantastic condition considering the rain we have had, especially on Saturday and the greens running slick for this time of year meant that good golf was going to get rewarded; and it did just that.
Team:
Chris Laird, Dale Marson, Gareth Jenkins, Joe Macilwraith, Liam Phipps, Louie Pett, Mark Davies, Matt Cryer, Elliot Forbes, Rob Browning
Foursomes:
The morning foursomes saw both teams battle it out. The first two matches, Louie Pett & Gareth Jenkins and Rob Browning & Matt Cryer both went to the wire, but after a number of lengthy putts holed, it was Leicestershire & Rutland that got both points on the board.
The next two matches were a different story with Chris Laird & Liam Phipps and Dale Marson & Mark Davies both winning their matches convincingly.
This meant the last match was all important for the morning session, with the return of Elliot Forbes and debutant Joe Macilwraith. With their steely grit and determination they pulled off a great win (2up) leaving the Bears winning the morning foursomes 3-2.
Foursomes Result
Warwickshire 3 – 2 Leicestershire & Rutland
Singles:
After a nice chicken roast lunch it was time for the afternoon singles.
First out was Louie Pett. A hard fought game ended up with a 2&1 loss.
However, we edged back in front in the next match with Gareth Jenkins winning his game 2&1.
Liam Phipps shared his point in a closely contended match, however Rob Browning who was 4 down after 7 remarkably turned his game around winning 1 up to gain a vital point for the Bears.
Chris Laird who was feeling ill all day, uncharacteristically lost 7&5. Said “That has never happened to me before”... however Matt Cryer finished his match on the 12th hole with a great performance winning 7&6.
Mark Davies of Hearsall Golf Club and returning to 1st Team golf from the pro ranks, found himself up against a tough competitor and was unable to match his morning performance losing 3&2. His morning foursome partner Dale Marson had better fortune and gained a crucial point winning 3&2 and his second point of the day.
This meant we had 7.5 points, needing a half point from the remaining two matches to win the game.
Elliot Forbes was down early in his game and finally finished with a 5&3 defeat meaning the deciding match came down to debutant Joe ‘Skinner’ Macilwraith. Joe who only graduated out of the boys ranks last year quickly turned into a man as he won on the 18th hole to finish his game 1UP and gaining the final point required to win the match….. Well played team.
Singles Result
Warwickshire 5.5 – 4.5 Leicestershire & Rutland
Overall Result
Warwickshire 8.5 – 6.5 Leicestershire & Rutland
I would like to wish Oli and his team all the best for the season. I would also like to thanks Hearsall Golf Club for their hospitality throughout the day.
Finally thanks you to Bob Harrison, President of Warwickshire, Matt Nixon and Pete Clarke for their support on the day.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH DETAILS
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