Report from Mens 1st Team representative George Copley;Â
A team of youth and experience was selected for our first home league match of the season on the High Course at Moor Park against Bedfordshire.
The day started with the morning foursomes with Rio Saigal, our recently crowned County Champion and Moor Park member, playing alongside James Baxter. All square after 5 holes they then won 3 of the next 5 to eventually close out the match 4 and 3 so we were off to a solid start.
Match 2 featuring Jamie Lacy and Louie Bloxham continued the winning ways with a solid 6 and 5 victory.
Finlay Rennie and Will Lyons were met with stern opposition and after 5 holes were down by 2. However, winning 3 of the next 5 holes turned the match around and another fine result was recorded with a 4 and 3 victory.
The final pairing of Jason Mitchell, making a return to the Mens 1st team, and EG squad member Max Hopkins did not disappoint 3 up after 5 they continued to apply pressure and overcame their opponents 6 and 5.
4 -0 at lunch an excellent morning’s work by all the team, witnessed by our County President, Jane Walter.
After lunch the team were in good spirits and ready for the singles.
Max Hopkins led us out and despite damaging the face of his driver early in the round put in a solid performance to beat his opponent on the 18th.
Rio Saigal was out number 2 and once again he did not disappoint, 2 up after 6 became 6 up after 12 and resulted in a fine win 7 and 5.
At number 3 James Baxter had a tight game, 2 up after 6 became 1 up after 12, finally winning his match on the 17th 2 and 1.
Meanwhile, Will Lyons out 4th seemed to be in full control of his match until he suffered a bad nose bleed. However, despite this he clung on to a slender lead for most of his match which eventually finished on the 18th All-square.
Finlay Rennie out number 5 was narrowly ahead after 6 holes but then produced some fine golf to overcome his opponent 5 and 3.
The 6th match saw Louie Bloxham continue the winning ways with a fine 6 and 5 victory.
Match 7 did not seem to be going our way after 6 holes with Jamie Lacy being 1 down. However, he then won 4 of the next 6 holes and maintained his lead to close out the match 3 and 1.
The last match saw the experienced Jason Mitchell take on one of his opponents from the morning foursomes. Once again a close fought encounter with Jason 2 up after 12. However, two more holes won saw him emerge victorious 4 and 3.
Match result Hertfordshire 11 ½ to Bedfordshire ½ an excellent result and performance by all.
