2nd team v Leicestershire

Good to see 6 of the team practising on a bright and breezy Leicestershire golf club on Saturday afternoon when I arrived, the remainder of the team joined us later for refreshments at a local hostelry and back for an early night.

Who thought checking into a premier inn could be so taxing.

After an early ice collection, we gathered at the course, I was told I had no buggy, so reporting on the foursomes was a little difficult as I had to mind the tuck shop near the tenth tee (a drone may be a useful addition, NGL?)

Tight fairways, a strong breeze and some tough pin positions made for tough mornings golf.

1st out making his 2nd team debut George Castle and Taylor Sargent, battled defiantly before losing by the smallest margin of 1 down. 

2nd out and making his debut Adam Scott from Milton (much better than his namesake) and James Barker suffered a 3&2 defeat.

3rd pairing of Dalton and Francis lost by the odd hole, despite Alec suffering from several ‘unmentionables’.

Last out skipper Ben and Sam Bird never really took control and suffered a 3&1 defeat

High hopes for an afternoon singles turnaround as the team started brightly, George Castle out first hit the turn 1 up and 2 under, despite this display he lost 2&1 against a bogey free opponent.

Next up, Taylor Sargent showed his experience and a medley of shapeshifting shots to come home with a 2&1 win.

Adam Scott, over his morning nerves had a tight game that eventually ended with losing the last hole for a defeat 1 down. 

Evergreen Richard Dalton had one of those days telling me’ the *&^%£^& course has @~+*&% conspired against me’ a drive of his in the middle of one fairway left him with a shot with one foot 6inches higher than the other, 4&3 defeat.

James Barker I believe had similar issues to Richard going down 3&2.

Alec Francis, complete with shanks did fantastically well under the circumstances with a well earned half.

Sam Bird, suffering from a stomach upset which I’m sure affected his game as he wasn’t his usual consistent best finishing with a 5&3 defeat.

Captain fantastic Ben Hawkins out last played some great gold on the front nine but made things a little difficult for himself with tree issues on the back nine where hitting the fairway was almost good enough to win the hole , Bens persistence was enough to earn a win 2 up 

Final score 9.5 v 2.5  to Leicestershire , fine margins and less trees and the score could have been completely different.

Finally, Taylor Sargent announced his retirement from team golf for the county after the game, I’m sure his team mates past and present along with county officials wish him well, I’m certain we will still hear him……. From him, I mean.