Warwickshire Golf
Under 18's v Staffordshire
The first match of the season for the Boys was away versus Staffordshire played at South Staffs Golf Club.
The team arrived and were raring to go after nearly a 2 year break. England’s qualification for the final of the Euros meant the two counties had agreed to half the foursomes allowing both teams enough time to return home to watch the match.
The Captain, Alex Ford led the way and it was clear from the outset this would be a close match. Both players played some good golf but Alex managed to get himself into a 2 up lead and then held on to win 2&1.
Seb went out second and played an old adversary in Jenson. He got off to a flying start and was 4 up through 6 holes however this was never going to be an easy match. Jenson fought hard and got back into the game forcing Seb down the last to secure a 1 up win and another point for Warwickshire.
Matches three and four featured Ollie Clark and Niall Collins. Both of these were close matches and although the Warwickshire boys appeared to be in control they could not pull away from their opponents who battled hard.
Ollie closed out a 2&1 win and Niall was the second player to go down the 18th and make a good par from the trees to win 1 up. A great start and the first four points secured.
Lucas went out fifth and struggled to find his form from the start going behind early. Despite his best efforts he could not turn it around and suffered a 7&5 defeat.
Match 6 saw Joe McInnes continue his good form from 2 years ago. Joe is a great match player and needed all his experience and determination to see of his opponent 2&1. A good win.
Chan James was next on the tee and went ahead early only to be pegged back by some good golf which saw a 3rd match go to the 18th. This time Warwickshire were unable to secure the win and Staffs won the match 1up.
Sam Knowles and Lennon O’Neill Knibbs, our two least experienced players played in the final two matches. Sam’s opponent was in great form and was ahead early while Lennon, on his debut was ahead at the halfway point despite going behind early.
Sam couldn’t close the gap and lost 3&2 but Lennon pressed home his advantage and closed out his match with an impressive 5&4 win.
Overall a good performance in the first match of the season and a 9.5 to 5.5 win for Warwickshire.
South Staffs GC were fantastic hosts and the course was a pleasure to walk and play. My thanks go to Richard Clark, Mark Reynolds and Alex Cave for their support during the day but mainly to the Boys who have picked up where they left off before the pandemic and are unbeaten in 6 matches.
Simon Parsons
Under 18 Team Manager
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