Warwickshire Golf
2nd Team Vs Nottinghamshire
Team Selected
Stephen Keay HARBORNE
Lee Podmore HARBORNE
Luke Allen OLTON
Rob Tovey OLTON
Gary Skipp ROBINHOOD
Paul Walker MAXSTOKE PARK
Chris Laird THE WARWICKSHIRE
Cameron Bridger MAXSTOKE PARK
Jacob Parsons COVENTRY FINHAM
Alex Smith COPT HEATH
After one of the longest captaincies ever without playing a fixture a respite in COVID meant it was time for the first 2nd team fixture for two seasons. The venue was Stonebridge GC and the opponents Nottinghamshire. After beating them 8/7 in the last fixture played, they were keen for revenge and turned up with their strongest lineup.
To start the new post COVID era was a strong pair of Chris Laird and Paul Walker, the latter making his 50th appearance for the bears. After being 1 up through 4 the Notts pair ended up 1 up through 6. A great bunker shot from up the lip by Paul gave the bears a half. The Notts pair ended the front nine strong and were 3 up. A close match from there in but unfortunately it ended up as a 2&1 defeat.
Onto the next pair Cameron and Jacob, having both played college golf during lock down and played together through the junior ranks, they would prove a tough pair to beat. Solid golf from both pairs lead to the bears being 1up through 5 and all square through 9. Never more than a couple of holes in the game the bears ground out and impressive 2&1 victory. Well done boys.
Going out at 3 was the Harborne pair of Lee and Steve. It was a great start 2 up through 3 holes put the pair into a great position going into the second half of the front 9. Having watched the Notts player Finn Nelson hit a few huge drives it was clear it was not going to be a routine victory. With some bad bounces and birdies from the Notts pair the Bears ended up 2 down through 11. With some great golf being played it ended up as a 4&3 victory to Notts.
Forth match off was the debut pair of Gary and Alex. After struggling through the first 5 holes being one down. The pair got going towards the latter part of the front nine, both players finding fairways and greens easily. The pair continued in this vein and after being 3 under par for the holes played they won 6&4.
In the crucial 5th pairing was Luke and our 3rd debutant Rob. After almost driving the green on the first the Bears made par only for Notts to drain a 25ft putt for birdie. That would set the tone for the morning. The Notts pair followed that putt with a chip in on second. The match remained close for the rest of the round with the score all square on the last hole. A 35ft putt was sunk for the Bears to lose 1 down. When it's not your lucky day, it's not your lucky day.
So at the half time interval it was 3/2 to Notts. Being behind in the foursomes has never fazed Warwickshire so my faith stood strong.
Onto the singles leading the bears out was Chris Laird, in true Laird fashion he was off like a rocket round the course. Having opted not to take a buggy I struggled to keep up with him. Having spoke to him after this round he wasn't his usual solid best and was beaten 6&5. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
Second up was Paul, always a solid performer and scorer of points over many years. A tight match went down the the last hole with the bears 1 down. Paul split the fairway with a great tee shot under the gun. His opponent pushed his drive into the trees on the right which appeared to have handed the advantage to the bears. Amazingly the Notts players ball had struck the tree and rebounded just off the fairway leaving him a short iron to the flag. He then hit a great shot right down the flag and with Paul unable to make a birdie it was another point to Notts.
Third to tee off was Gary (Skippy for short). After his successful morning foursome Skippy was rightly high in confidence. Playing solid tee to green golf throwing in a few birdies for good measure he kept his opponent at arms length and came through a comfortable 6&5 winner. Obviously you don't like the back 9 Skippy. A great debut with a 2 point haul well done.
Forth off was Alex but could he match his morning doubles partner. Not wanting to be out done Alex again showed his supreme tee to green game and some solid putting. This approach was hard to beat in the conditions and it was another point to the bears with a 4&2 victory. Another 2 point debut haul well done that man.
Fifth was Steve and I believe had the hardest task of the day. He was up against the huge hitting Finn Nelson and for someone to out drive Steve that's going some. Not helped with a sore back and his opponent shooting -6 for the holes played it meant a 8&7 loss. Even on top form it's hard to live with that in those conditions. I can't see this lad being in the Notts second team for long. First team players watch out!!!!!
Next up Lee, this was a hard fought battle on what was becoming an increasingly difficult course to score on with the weather and course conditions. Never more than a hole in this one and it went down to the wire. Lee was 1 down on the last hole, both players hit great tee shots. Both made par for a point to Notts.
7th off was Cam, he was in control from the first hole throughout the front 9. Having barely put a foot wrong he was coasting at 4 up going through 11. A brief fight back from the Notts player but Cam stood firm for a very good 2&1 victory and a much needed point for the Bears.
8th was Jacob he too played supremely solid golf even with his sun dyed Warwickshire cap needing replacing. He has told me if he loses he will throw it away. Fingers crossed it lasts a few more years yet. Another player who played the course perfectly and never gave his opponent a sniff of victory and closed out an impressive 4&3 victory.
9th to go out was Luke, after telling me his driver was a little "˜spiny' off the face. He then proceeded to almost drive the first green into the ever strengthening wind. Luke keep the driver pal! Having watched such high standards throughout the singles, Luke added to what was a brilliant display of ball striking by winning 5&4 for another Bears point.
In what has become known as 'the Gardner position', out at 10 was Rob. With such strength throughout the team I always thought it would be hard for Notts to get anything from the number 10 match. This proved true as Rob carried on his recent brilliant club form with a superb 7&5 victory.
Bears 8 Notts 7
From looking at both teams these were always going to be our strongest opposition. So to get a really good close victory against them and a winning debut for myself was truly fantastic. I want to thank all the players for their hard work and dedication.
Also I would like to say thanks to Graham Barton, Bob Harrison, Nev Gardner and Chris Leonard who came to support us. It's always good to see Warwickshire officials cheering us on at games.
Let's hope this is the start of a successful season.
Chris Staite
2nd Team Captain
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