Wiltshire Captains v Devon Captains

West Wilts Golf Club 13 June 2014

( report from Geoff Titt)

The day dawned bright and sunny and the Devon boys arrived in high spirits fully prepared to give a good account of themselves on the golf course, last season they inflicted a humiliating 8 -0 defeat on us at Yelverton.

The Wiltshire boys, as always, were ready and eager to put right the wrongs of the previous encounter. Following a light lunch of soup and sandwiches and announcement of pairings we teed off at 1.00pm. Captain Steve accompanied by West Wilts Captain Harry Hassall playing against Devon Captain Roger Monson and his partner Glyn Kneebone, unfortunately the match did not go our way Steve and Harry loosing 3&2.

Match No 2 also went to Devon as Michael Dolan and Bobby McKeon lost 3&2. Things were not looking so good at this stage but a change of fortune was at hand. The engine room pairings of Bob Channon & Clive Robinson, David Fitz-Henry & Ray Smith along with Geoff Titt & Mike Bowes all won their matches putting Wiltshire into a 3–2 lead. Devon bounced back in match 6 as Gerry Stack and Brian Duxberry went down 3&2. Tension remained high as Ernie Kee holed a critical put on the last to gain a half with his partner David Ruffett.

With the match all square those who had completed their rounds gathered on the patio, with liquid refreshment in hand, to await the arrival of the final game involving Dick Solomon and Ian Vincent against Devon Vice Captain David Beer and Bob Webber. These last two players did Wiltshire Captains proud in winning their game 4&3 and with it securing a home victory of 4.5 to 3.5.

Unusual things happen in golf games but none quite as extraordinary as that conjured up by Gerry Stack. On the 12th tee Gerry hit a magnificent drive straight down the middle but subsequently let go of his driver only for it to disappear into the long grass away to the left, never to be seen again, a true helicopter shot.

The green staff will of course return the driver, should they find it but it has to be remembered not even they venture that far off the course.   

After dinner of roast beef followed by apple crumble and enjoyed by all, a glass of port provided by club captain Harry Hassall to celebrate his 60th Birthday was greatly appreciated. WGC Captain Steve paid tribute to West Wilts Golf on the excellent condition of the course and the quality of the food provided on the day. He was also gracious in his remarks to the Devon team and their Captain Roger as he invited him to say a few words and announce the match result.

Roger congratulated the club on first class presentation of the course and the catering arrangements for the day. Finally he presented the traditional match trophy, now enhanced with an enlarged base to accommodate the many more ball markers to record the location of games over the coming years.

We had all had a wonderful day, good weather, good golf, good food and great company, what more could anyone want.  

Geoff Titt

Match Secretary