Dorset County

"After a 20-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dorset County 1st Team finally got back to competitive action on Sunday 9th May in a South East League match versus Hampshire at Broadstone. In a revised, shortened format for 2021, an 8-man, singles shootout would decide the outcome of matches in the league in 2021. The team selected for the match was:

Adan Yates (Parkstone), David Norton (Parkstone), Harry Mitchell (Ferndown), Oscar Hein (Parkstone), Ash Colloff (Broadstone), Sam Atkins (Parkstone), Luke Hirst (Dudsbury) and Matt Sandy (Sherborne)

Unfortunately, at the last minute, David Norton had to withdraw, so able Captain, Andy Rideout (Dudsbury) stepped in to fill the void at #2. As the match got under way in blustery but dry conditions, the early matches swayed Hampshire's way; the scores through seven holes being Adan (2 down), Andy (1 down), Harry (1 down) and Oscar (3 down). But as ever in county golf, every match is different and the last 4 matches seemed to be going Dorset's way; Ash Colloff (1up), Sam (3up), Luke (1up) and Matt (2up). It wouldn't take much for the contest to swing in either team's favour.

As the afternoon wore on, the tables kept swinging on greens that needed the upmost concentration from all players. Adan battled valiantly, eventually loosing 2&1. Andy, despite drifting to 4 down through 11, produced some fine golf in the last 7 holes to battle to a half. Mitchell eventually fell to the ever-green Martin Young (4&3). Early baths for Ash Colloff (winning 6&4), and Sam Atkins (winning 4&3) seemed to turn the match back in Dorset's favour, before swinging again with Oscar losing 2&1. So down to the last 2 matches and despite some steady golf from the new team anchor, Matt Sandy (winning 2&1), a loss for Luke (2&1) secured the point required for Hampshire to take victory.

A valiant effort from the team in their first competitive outing in over a year and a half against a very strong Hampshire team. Some fantastic building blocks for the year ahead. We'd like to thank Broadstone for their hospitality and giving up the course for the afternoon. A thank you must also go to our opponents and the fantastic spirit that the match was played in.

The county team now looks forward to South West Week 2021 at Burnham & Berrow from the 5th - 11th June."

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