MATCH REPORT WGC v SUSSEX GC

Home match played at Ogbourne Downs on 3rd September 2013.

Match Report from David Dunbar

It had to happen! A fortnight before the match was due to take place, everything was in hand, with all of the pairings and current handicaps revealed and a Result Sheet ready for completion.

Sussex were playing a practice round at favourable Green Fees on the Monday, Tee times were confirmed, catering confirmed and apart from ensuring fine weather, all was ready. In many previous attempts at Match Secretary duties, this had never happened.

However late on Friday 30th (Should have been 13th) Sussex e-mailed to say that they were down to 14 players.” Panic! What to do? Captain in Cornwall, Secretary on the golf course, ok, make a decision.”  Bit late to start phoning the reps, so try to get two Ogbourne stalwarts to become Honorary Sussex Captains for the day.

Thankfully Tom Whittaker and Mick Batt were persuaded to play for Sussex, albeit under instruction to lose at all costs! Another Ogbourne stalwart was also called upon with an hour‘s notice, when Dick Barrowman replaced a no – show WGC.

The match was played in favourable weather, with the usual Ogbourne breeze to challenge the golfers. Captain Tony playing with Ogbourne current skipper Peter Hayman led the team with the first loss of the day, while Irwin and Barry quickly followed.

With a deciding 8 footer on the last Geoff Titt saved the day for him and Laird Dunbar by earning Wiltshire’s first half. Two more losses followed, until Wiltshire’s next two pairs made the score look respectable.

The Honorary Sussex pair of Tom and Mick duly managed a half with Colin and Dennis to make the score 3 -5.

Dinner and after- dinner went by with great friendship being shown an enjoyable day with a fine bunch of gents.