This year we were drawn to play Morgan Porth GC (Merlin) at Lanhydrock GC. It turned out to be a very wet event, but the course played well and it’s the same for both sides. Inevitably in these team match play events the games fluctuated back and forth – at one point we were up in four of the matches and looking forward to a famous victory. However, it was not to be in agonising fashion.

In the lead match Peter Broad and Arthur Nott-Bower (making his debut) secured a victory, 2up. A special thanks from me to both these guys who were late replacements and Arthur is definitely one for the future.

In the third pairing Craig Allen and Sacha Wheatman secured a 2 and 1 victory (having been 6 up at one point !!!). The second group finished all square and set off down the 19th. We knew that things weren’t going to plan in the latter two groups, so this was likely to prove pivotal.

Our 4th pairing of Jeff Buckley and Roger Tremain did amazingly well to go down only 2 and 1. Sadly, early in the round Jeff’s carpal tunnel in his hand returned, which meant he could hardly hold the club, so a valiant effort to take the opposition to the 17th hole.

Our final pairing of Lee Griffin and Tris Lang had an up and down match going up early but eventually being hauled back. A special mention for Griff. On the 16th the opposition hit their ball into a hedge. A prolonged search took place and, with the 3 minutes almost up, Griff found their ball which kept MP in the hole and eventually helped them win the match. A fantastic reminder that whilst we all want to win, it has to be done in the right way.

So with it all square 2 -2 focus turned to the match going down the 19th. Remarkably this is the second year in succession that Andy Burt and Luke Purser have found themselves in this position. On the first extra hole credit to the opposition for sinking an 8 foot putt to halve the hole, so on we went. Sadly, the opposition played the 20th hole a little better than our guys and managed to sink another putt – this time to win the hole.

So an overall result was a loss 3 – 2.

As a first time Captain of this team I was proud of the effort everyone showed, in very difficult weather, but more with the way they went about the game and represented the club. Whilst everyone playing wanted to win it was played in the correct way. Dare I say it – the St Enodoc way.

Bring on next year !!!

David Bickford