Dorset County

Long Sutton Golf Club was the setting of our final match in the Jack Roberts Trophy league for this season. Being an unknowm course to our boys, we gathered for a practice round the previous day so that some familiarity could be gained. Having been disappointed over our defeat against Devon, and knowing that Somerset had beaten Devon the previous week, we knew this was going to be a difficult away match for us. On paper, Somerset’s front 3 were very strong but Dorset had a stronger back 3, and since we have to play in strict handicap order, things were going to be close.

As ever, the Under 14 Captain lead the way out with a fine drive down the first to begin the morning foursomes to be played over 9 holes. It quickly became apparent that the Somerset boys did not share our sense of drive to win the match, and so with some focus, the games began to swing in Dorset’s favour. The games were not helped by some intense rainfall for the full period of the morning session, but we closed out with a half in the front match and two wins in matches two and three. Likewise, our two reserves pulled in a victory over the Somerset reserves.

We were all very glad to get back to the clubhouse for some drying off, and after some chips and sandwiches, the team were reminded that we were here to win, and to keep focused.

The afternoon singles ensued, and the front 3 matches were all very close indeed. As hoped, the back three matches were in Dorset’s favour after the front 9. We needed to secure the back three matches for the win, but would welcome additional points from our front 3.

The front match came to conclusion with South West Squad member Will Warman beating George Carroll. George Davis was in a tussle with Somerset number 2, but alas the match concluded in Somerset’s favour with the Somerset player being 1 under par and George being 1 over. Tom Plumb’s match closed out in defeat, and we knew that we needed all three of the back three matchs to close in Dorset’s favour. Ben Small gave us all a scare by letting a 5 up margin close, but delivered a 2&1 victory to bring our first afternoon point. Adam Harris then appeared having concluded a comprehensive victory to deliver the next point. But what of match 4?  We all scouted around the course looking for Dominc Dunstan to learn the fate of that match, but he was nowhere to be found. Eventually, Dominic was spotted back at the clubhouse, already suited and booted, having delivered a 5&4 victory to give Dorset the required 3 points from the afternoon session, giving us a 5 ½ to 3 ½ win.

So, a great win for Dorset, but we fear the fate of the Jack Roberts Trophy will be based on a count back formula to decide between Dorset, Devon and Somerset. We await the final match to be played between Somerset and Cornwall to find out if we have done enough to bring the trophy home.

Many thanks to all the boys who have performed so well over the season, and to the parents who have made it very easy for me by confirming attendances and making sure their boys are at the right place at the right time.

A final thanks to Rob Harris who has helped me manage the team and encourage the boys throughout the season, and who will be managing the Under 14’s team for next season while I move onto the newly formed Under 16’s Squad.

...and a final final thanks to the parents who clubbed together for my bottle of wine – Much appreciated.

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