There was a weather warning for strong winds in the morning but dry until the afternoon. They got it wrong - yes, there was a bit of wind but it certainly wasn't enough to merit a weather warning. The course, too, was looking very good for October - the greens were true and running well. Hugh had played in the medal yesterday when there were mud patches on the course so we decided to play preferred lies, but, in retrospect, there was no need - the fairways were fine.
Thankfully, no late cancellations so it was a full house of 20, playing in 5 fourball matches. The leading game was between the father and son team of Malcolm and Matthew Grigor against the formidable R.o.W. pairing of Ian Dring and Syd Freeman. Predictably, the "away" team had a reasonably comfortable 3 & 1 victory.
Match 2 went the same way, with Harry Salter and Raymond Orr (guesting for R.o.W.) defeating Brain Dawson and Ian Sharp 4 & 3. The 3rd match was much tighter, with Rob Pollard delighting his partner Nigel Meany by holing a tricky "9-footer" (according to Rob) on the final green to level the match with Dick Taylor and me.
Thankfully, matches 4 & 5 went Scotland's way - John Waddell and Keith Gray beat Hugh and Jackie Riches (also guesting for R.o.W.) 2 holes up, and Carol Dawson and Jack Simpson notching a 2 & 1 win over John Meaden and Julie Dring.
This was the 3rd overall tie in the 19 years since 2004 that this end of season event has been held. Scotland maintain the overall lead with 11 victories, with R.o.W. having 5.
We had 4 logo'd balls left so there were NP & LD competitions. Nigel got the NP at the 3rd hole and I got the one at the 7th. Ian Dring predictably won the LD at the 10th. The ladies' NP at the 3rd presented a bit of a problem as none of the 3 hit the green but, by popular acclaim, Jackie was awarded with the ball as she was the only one to clear the ditch.
Rob took the photo of me and Hugh with the trophy:
Barmaid Jacqui then took the team photo of those still present:
Unfortunately, no catering available this year but hopefully the meal will be back next year for our 20th event (if we're spared!)
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