Dorset County

Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club played host to the opening match of the County Under 14’s season, playing for the Jack Robert Memorial Trophy. The wind was extremely light by Bridport standard, which we hoped would let the match be somewhat more of a level playing field given our opponent, Cornwall, are very used to playing in windy conditions.

The morning Foursomes, to be played over 9 holes, got underway in quick succession with the front group, George Davis and Tom Plumb, making early headway into their match to establish a convicing lead. Both the Carroll/Dunstan and the Small/Harris pairings were more of a battle. The morning finished with Dorset leading 2 points to 1, which with 6 singles matches yet to play, is nothing more than a hair’s width between the team. Encouraging nonetheless.

After some sandwiches and chips, the afternoon singles commenced with Dorset being up or level in all matches. As the holes closest to the cliffs came into play, the wind was starting to take some effect, although not as much as it could do. It was enough to make all players think a little harder about their club selection and ball flight.

The Dorset boys all kept their heads. George Carroll and Tom Plumb successfully brought their matches to a safe conclusion, and we knew we needed just ½ a point for the win. Minutes later, a full point was delivered by Dominic Dunstan. A battle was continuing in match 2 where Cornwall edged ahead on hole 17 to go one up, although left the window of opportunity open with a wayward tee shot on the 18th. George looked safe to secure a par to half the match, only to see his Cornwall opponent sink a 20 foot fringe putt for his par and keep the match in his grasp. Ben Small and Adam Harris soon arrived with grins on their faces to give Dorset a 5 to 1 result for the afternoon session, and a convining 7 to 2 point win overall for the day.

After some dinner, George Davis thanked Cornwall for travelling up to Dorset for the match, thanked Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club for the use of the beautifully presented and picturesque course and for catering for the fixture. All games were played in great spirit on what was an extremely enjoyable day’s golf for the boys.

This is a great start to the 2012 season for the County Under 14’s. All boys represented the county with great attitude and focus. Our two reserves for the day, Max Bale and Steffen Foley, also represented themselves well playing for the U16’s match playing behind us. Our other matches against Devon and Somerset are not until August, so there is a lot of golf to be played between now and then. The boys are congratuled, and encouraged to keep, and improve, their form over the summer period.

Additional thanks goes to Rob Harris, U14’s Assistant Manager and to parents for their support.

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