Dorset County

On a scorching hot and humid day at East Sussex National Dorset took on Sussex. With the late withdrawal of Tom Peacock, our Vice-Captain David Cook had to play his first match since serious wrist injury. It was like he had never been away, partnered with Giles Legg, David played excellent mistake free foursomes culminating in a 2&1 win. Jon Welch and Harry Mitchell was the top foursome and were soon three down against some incredible short game skills. Five down soon came, and the thought of a drubbing sprung them into action. They won four holes in a row and found themselves going up the last one down. A great effort for birdie just slipped by, but the manner of their defeat gave the whole team confidence for the afternoon. Wilkinson and Robson’s win was ensured when their opponents hit a tree 50 yards from the 18th tee and lost their ball. A morning lead was guaranteed by a delightful chip on the last by Dan Bishop for a halved game playing with Robbie Mabb.
Jon Welch was again sent out number 1 and did not disappoint with a fine 2&1 win. He is making that position his own and it is reassuring for the rest of the team to have him there. Things did not go quite to plan with the next two games, Sonny Wilkinson and Harry Mitchell, both losing, bringing the match score level. Tom Robson, who has had a tremendous debut season, was always in control in a 4&2 win. Dan Bishop at number 7 went down 4&2 to leave the match in the balance. With Giles Legg one down almost the whole way round it seemed that David Cook or our new Strokeplay Champion, Robbie Mabb would both need to win to secure a victory and ensure we would finish above Sussex in the League. Robbie was very solid all the way round and winning the 15th hole gave him a 4&3 victory. Almost simultaneously, David Cook was playing the 16th hole punching a 5 iron close to the pin on the Par 3. His young opponent couldn’t match the shot under pressure and a 3&2 win delivered the win for Dorset. With the match over, Giles Legg went up the 18th all square having won the 17th with a par. Two pars meant the spoils were shared and the margin of victory set at 7 points to 5.
This victory is a fitting reward for all the hard work put in over the season by the players, my Vice-Captain, David Cook, and our First Team Coach, Dan Frost. It is a very young, developing team with great potential for the future. With a few experienced players probably returning next season I am sure David Cook will be looking forward to taking over this squad as Captain.
May I just take this opportunity to thank all the players who have played matches and taken part in training over the last two years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Captaincy, you have all made the job easy with your enthusiasm, humour and team spirit. I just can’t believe that two years have gone by so quickly. Thanks also to Ian Hulse for all his organisational skills and to my two Presidents, Doug and John, whose ears and experience have been most useful. Last and not least I must thank my wife Harriet for her support and excellent caddying/physio/feeding and watering etc. It was much appreciated.

Back to previous results