Warwickshire Golf
U16 BOYS v DERBYSHIRE
14th September 2019
Brailsford Golf Club
Team
Alex Ford – Robin Hood (Captain)
Sam Easterbrook – Wishaw
Oliver Clark – The Warwickshire
Charlie Lamb – Coventry Hearsall
Lucas Laurie – Robin Hood
Joe McInnes – Robin Hood
Chanon James – Kenilworth Golf Club
Niall Collins – Robin Hood
Finlay Stokes - Atherstone
Liam Scagell – Ladbrook Park
The final U16 league match of the season v Derbyshire at Brailsford Golf Club. The boys knew that a win or a half in this match would mean they would win the league and they were looking forward to a great days’ golf. Unfortunately, we arrived to find the greens in less than perfect condition however as the foursomes started the boys were in good spirits.
In the absence of Seb Cave, Lucas Laurie went out first with Alex Ford. This proved to be a formidable pairing and the boys were soon in control winning their match 5&4.
Charlie Lamb and Sam Easterbrook resumed their successful partnership in match two and also started well. The boys played some good golf winning comfortably 5&3.
Another established partnership of Chan and Ollie went out in match three however this normally reliable pairing found themselves in a tough battle as the Derbyshire boys took advantage of some local knowledge having played the course the week before. Eventually this match was lost 4&2
Match four saw another new pairing of Fin Stokes and Niall Collins. The boys gelled quickly and were involved in a tight game. Despite their best efforts, they could not close out their match and lost 1 down on the final hole.
Liam Scagell and Joe McInnes gave us an experienced final pair and although they took an early lead they were never completely in control and had to settle for a half meaning the foursomes ended all square. The first time this season we had not won the morning session.
Alex Ford was the first out in the singles with Lucas following him in match two. After their win in the morning they were in a confident mood but Derbyshire had shuffled their order so Lucas played a different opponent. Both boys battled hard without ever reaching the heights they had in the morning and they both lost 3&1 and 3&2 respectively.
Charlie played in match 3 and was also up against a new opponent. Charlie is now a seasoned match player and won 1 up in a tight match.
Sam Easterbrook played in Match 4, his opponent started well and he was 3 down with four to play. Sam fought back despite his frustrations and eventually only lost 1 down on the last. A fine effort but to no avail.
With 3 out of the first four matches going against us the league title looked to be slipping away.
Ollie Clark was next out and continued his fine run of form. He played good golf and held his nerve to win again 3&1 and score a vital point.
In the next match Chanon James was involved in a topsy turvey match. After 15 holes only one had been halved with the boys winning seven holes each meaning there was never more than 1 hole in it. Chan could not find the winning formula and lost 1 down – its safe to say he knew the importance and was devastated which demonstrated clearly the commitment he has shown all season.
We now needed 2 points from the last three matches to halve the match, not really what we were hoping for but all three boys were in front.
Fin Stokes had started well and took an early lead but his opponent who played in the first pairing during the morning would not give up. Fin could not match his golf and lost 3&1 meaning the last two matches had to be won.
Joe and Liam had been disappointed to halve their foursomes match and both boys were in no mood to be beaten. Joe was always in control of his match having played some fine golf and won early 5&4 leaving Liam Scagell out on the course needing to win his match for the team to win the league.
Liam had won the 15th to go dormi 3up and found the back of the green on the blind 16th par 3. His opponent missed the green, over hit his pitch and finished in an impossible lie in the bunker. In the meantime Liam had played a superb chip to just 3 feet. The hole and match were conceded and the league title was secured.
This has been a great season for the boys. The whole squad including a number of players who did not play in this match have given their all and they deserve immense credit. A season unbeaten including the friendly at Leicestershire and the match with the Seniors.
I would like to thank all of the County officials they have supported them over the season and all of the parents for their support and making so many of the boys available throughout the year. Having to choose from 15 players is hard but having that level of availability has been the key to our success.
Finally I would like to thank the boys and the Captain Alex Ford. It has been an absolute pleasure to manage them from start to finish. They have presented themselves immaculately, supported each other, played great golf and won more matches on the 18th green than I can remember. They should be immensely proud of their achievements – I know I am!
Simon Parsons
U16 Boys Manager
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