Sunday 5th May saw the Men’s first team start their 2024 campaign with an away match to Middlesex, played at Sudbury golf course.
The team started with a practice round on Saturday afternoon, which turned out to be the difference. Due to the wet winter, the course was playing long and soggy in places, along with thick heavy rough, made finding the fairways a must.
The Team got off to a brilliant start, with team captain Laurie Owen and ex-captain Tony Wilkins leading the way, defeating Middlesex’s ever-present Justin Phelps and Rob Lyon 4&3.
Match 2 saw Luke Colgate and Connor O Brien take on Jack Neil and Andre Bothma in a tight match, with the Hertfordshire team prevailing 1 up.
Match 3 pitted last year’s team captain Joss Gosling and Jamie Plews against George Bell and Luke Fitzpatrick. This game was over in a hurry, with Joss and Jamie taking control from hole 1 and never looking back, cruising to an impressive 8&6 victory.
Match 4 was following suit, with team manager Phil Dormer partnering this year’s vice-captain Niall Johnson. Easing to 3 up through 9 holes they never looked in danger of losing, closing the match out 3&1.
A commanding team performance, taking the morning foursomes 4 – 0
In the afternoon singles, Laurie led off, but in a tight match, with the difference coming down to a few holed putts, Middlesex’s Jack Neill closed out a 1up victory.
Tony Wilkins also saw his match sneak Middlesex’s way, with Justin Phelps holing a long birdie putt on 17 to close the match out 2&1. Joss Gosling resumed winning ways with a comfortable 3&1 victory, followed by
Jamie Plews securing a half versus George bell.
Middlesex may have been sensing a comeback, but this was abruptly halted with Herts victories in matches 5,6 & 7, Phil winning 4&3, Niall 2&1 and Connor 5&4.
In match number 8, Middlesex’s Kane Stone secured a consolation point against long time Hertfordshire player Luke Colgate, 7&5.
A fabulous start to the season, with Hertfordshire winning 8.5 points – 3.5 points.
Well played team, we move on to Bedfordshire at home 26th May at Hadley wood.
Kindest regards
Phil Dormer
