Dorset v Hampshire v Sussex Triangular Match 2012
This annual match, which incorporates the Donnelly Shield match between Dorset and Hampshire, took place at Ferndown GC on Friday 17th August. A breezy but bright day welcomed the three team of ten Under 18s to the Old Course. It was in fine condition with true – and well ironed – greens.
Eleven holes of foursomes were played after which Dorset were astounded to find themselves in the lead against both the other counties. Four matches were halved and only one was lost by James Dodds and Jack Baker against Hampshire by 2&1. The County Juniors President was understandably delighted.
After a sandwich and chip lunch the boys set off for 18 holes singles. This time the tale was not such a delightful one for Dorset. The Sussex boys pulled out all the stops halving two and winning eight of their ten matches against us with Hampshire winning seven of the ten against us. Dominic Knight, James Dodds and Jack Baker won their matches against Hampshire, with Dominic Knight and Oli Stocks getting the two halves against Sussex. From such a hopeful start it was a sorry ending with the county yet again succumbing to third place and losing the Donnelly Shield to Hampshire for a sixth successive time. The County Secretary has compiled the full points results. The match results giving our scores are in the table below.
The matches were played in good spirit and much of the golf was excellent. Harry Bayley of Sussex played extremely well being reported as 5 under par after eight holes against Sam Roles playing in his first County match. Play was a little slow but some blame goes to the eighth hole which many of the boys were attempting to drive – and succeeding! Many thanks are due to the club for furnishing a course in such fine condition and catering for all of us. The members took our invasion in good heart in spite of it being a fine day and very busy! As this was the last match for the County Under 18s we now say goodbye to Dominic Knight and Fraser Dawson of this side who now become of Colts age.
Bill Kennedy
Juniors Secretary 18 August 2012