Dorset County

On Sunday the 31st of August Dorset played Sussex in the final east league match of the season at Ham Manor Golf Club. Ham Manor and Sussex were very welcoming as always and the morning foursomes started well for Dorset.

In the top match John Blanks and David Cook played steady golf on the front 9 to establish a 2 hole lead. The Sussex pair then birdied the 10th and 11th but Dorset matched them to maintain a 2 up lead, eventually winning 2&1.
The second match saw the long hitting duo of Harry Mitchell and Billy-Joe Bugden also play well and a fine birdie on the 18th whole enabled them to win 1up. The third match put together the experienced pair of Giles Legg and Tom Leech and they produced good golf to win 3&2.
The final game Tom and Andy Robson again show their class to win 2&1.
So at lunch Dorset were in the great position with a 4-0 lead.

So to the singles and the county champion, Tom Robson led the way putting on a fine display of iron play to win 5&4. The second game also went Dorset's way. The third match saw John Blanks come up against some great golf from the Sussex local member James Lynch and he lost 3&2. Harry Mitchell in match 4 again went down the last prevailing 1up.
Billy-Joe Bugden also went down the 18th and chipped in for an eagle 3 to maintain his 1up advantage.
In match 6 Andy Robson continued his fine form to show he is a force to be reckoned with in the first team producing a bogey free 4 under par performance to win 4&3.
Giles Legg was in match 7 and was up against sone fine play from Laird Shepherd losing 3&2 and Tom Leech again played all 18 holes coming up just short, losing 1 down.

The overall result was a 9-3 win for Dorset and this a great way to end the season. I am proud of all the players who have given their time and efforts to support Dorset Golf at first team level in my time as Captain and subject to approval at next March's AGM, hand over the captaincy to Giles Legg for the next 2 years. I know his experience as a player and a former captain will continue to strengthen the results for Dorset Golf.

Many thanks to Dan Frost as the county first team coach. He has given us focus and direction and undoubtedly improved our approach to the matches and overall results. When certain match results have not gone our way I have always believed we are on the right track and should continue to focus on the bigger picture and long term goals. Thank you Dan for your support and input.

I have always been a supporter of the junior players and encourage more of them to strive to improve and take a spot in the first team in 2015 and beyond. In my time we have seen Tom Atkins, Billy-Joe Bugden, George Long and Sam Roles make their debuts. However we need more players to come through to increase our strength and depth and competitiveness.

My thanks also go to all the Dorset supporters at our matches and to name but a few, Mr and Mrs Mitchell, Mr and Mrs Robson, Mr Long, Mr Colin Legg and county presidents John Calver and Bill Kennedy. Thank you also to Ian Hulse for all his assistance and organisation.

David Cook
Dorset County Captain.

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