Warwickshire Golf
SENIORS LOSE SEASON OPENER AT LEICESTERSHIRE
Warwickshire Seniors suffered defeat in their first match of the 2019 campaign against Leicestershire at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club on Monday 13th May. To use a football term "it was very much a game of two halves" as Warwickshire let slip a commanding lead after the morning greensomes to their East Midlands neighbours. Whilst all match pairings contributed to the scoreline, it was no consolation and my congratulations go to Alan Turton and his Leicestershire side on their marvellous comeback.
On a bright sunny day, the host Club announced that placing had remained in place due to some of the fairways still showing signs of last year's drought. The course, which co-hosted the English Senior Men's Championship in 2016, was however in very good order and although the greens had a little more grass on them than usual, they offered a consistent surface on which to putt on.
The morning greensomes saw Warwickshire lead by 5 matches to 1, but the home side won four of the first five matches after lunch and gained a half in the other, to see them safely over the line. The Warwickshire pairing of Gordon Allen and Bob Scambler, both from Sutton Coldfield, were their teams' only winners in a disappointing afternoon session. Special mention to Peter Holt from Coventry and George Kennedy from Olton who remained unbeaten on the day. Indeed it may have been such a different overall result, but for two very fine putts during their match on the 18th green. Peter holed first for a birdie two from the fringe at the front of the green, leaving their Leicester opponents to do the same to tie the match. Leicester player, John Hardwick, a putter of some renown, I speak from experience here, who had complained about holing nothing in the morning, duly followed Peter in from some thirty feet to grab a half for his team. A half that ultimately secured the match for the hosts.
To Kirby Muxloe Golf Club my thanks to their staff for their hospitality and presentation of their fine course which offered a very fair challenge with many tree lined fairways and a consistent surface to their greens which were perhaps a little slower than players on both sides were accustomed to. Mention must also be made to the caterers for providing such a hearty and plentiful meal.
To Alan Turton and his Leicestershire team mates, who always provide a warm welcome and good humour, the match as always was played in a very competitive but friendly manner, I wish them well for the remainder of the season.
My special thanks to the Warwickshire players for their efforts yesterday in a match than ultimately just got away from us. It was pleasing to see Bob Scambler back in the team again after a while away and he was justly rewarded with his overdue award of County colours.
Mark Reynolds
Seniors Captain
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