WGC v Oxford Captains

 At

West Wilts Golf Club

17th August 2012

Match Report courtesy of  Geoff Titt

Following the usual introductions and team pairings over sandwiches and chips at lunchtime play commenced at 1pm.

 

The novalty of starting at the 11th hole, the famous quarry hole at West Wilts was seen by Captain Tom the as an opportunity to gain an early advantage over the visitors. Accompanied match secretary, Geoff Titt the home team opening pair romped into a early lead with a birdie at the first hole. Little did they realise this was to be first and last time they were ever to be in a leading position. The Oxford Captain Stuart Sinclair and his partner, Bob Bannister, Hcp 6, soon asserted their authority ultimately running out winners 5&4. A wonderful round of Golf, gross 70 by Bob which included 4 birdies was the highlight of the afternoon.  In game 2 Colin Matthews accompanied by the very last minute replacement, Trevor Samuels, fought hard  ultimately losing 1 Down. Many thanks to Trevor for stepping in with literally only minutes to spare. 

 

2 matches down meant an uphill struggle was in store. Wins by Barry Hales and Ian Lund in game 3, Bob Channon and Gordon Kenneth in game 5, plus Halves by Tony Forsyth and Bryan Neate, game 4 and David Haydon and Norman Denham, game 6, saw the match evenly poised with two games to go. Bobby McKeown and Gordon Blagbrough put up a very strong challenge but ultimately went down by one hole in game 7 whilst  Richard Knibb and Dennis Aitken achieved an honourable half in the final game. Overall a very close match played in the finest spirit meant a win by 4.5 to 3.5 to our visitors from Oxford.

 

Following the match both Teams enjoyed a an excellent Carvery of Sirloin of Beef and Honey Roast Ham accompanied by some fine wines.

 

Stuart Sinclair, Captain of the Oxford Captains, graciously paid tribute to West Wilts Golf on the excellent condition of the course, the quality of the catering and for allowing us the courtesy of the course for the match.

 

Overall this was a day thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part and a fixture the Wiltshire Captains look forward to again in 2013.