Warwickshire Golf
Seniors shine at Peterborough!
Venue: Peterborough Milton GC Date : 4th and 5th Aug 2021
Warwickshire Team:
Warren Bladon - Kenilworth GC
Tim Cooley – Ladbrook Park GC
Tony Allen - Maxstoke Park GC
Ken Spencer – Stratford Oaks GC
Steve Creed – Stratford on Avon GC
Dave Mason – Moor Hall GC
Reserve : Nev Gardner - Stoneleigh Deer Park GC
Warwickshire took a strong team to contend The EG Senior Championship (Midland Qualifier) knowing that other counties were able to field teams with England Internationals and multiple plus handicap players within their squads. On the first day the Greens Staff set out an immaculate course with very challenging flag positions, and this was certainly reflected in the scoring.
Warren and Tony got us off to a very good start and our position was reinforced with very commendable scores from our middle order. Our chosen Anchorman, Steve Creed did exactly what we needed him to do by delivering an impressive score of +2. This was enough to give Warwickshire a two shot lead over Lincolnshire after round one. Staffordshire were a further 11 shots behind Lincolnshire.
Round two gave the players a further challenge, that being a stiffening wind of 15-20 MPH. This obviously didn’t affect Warren as he started his round with a brace of birdies. He went on to record the best score of the week, a stunning 68 in very tricky conditions. Tony backed him up with 73 which put us in a very strong position. We then suffered a piece of bad luck when Dave Mason in executing a difficult bunker shot on hole 2, unfortunately pulled a back muscle which hindered him greatly throughout the remaining 16 holes. Incredible respect to him for managing to post a score whilst in severe pain. Our middle order of Ken Spencer and Tim Cooley kept the ship steady and recorded scores that ensured we didn’t lose ground on our nearest contenders, Lincolnshire. So, the scene was set for our Anchorman (Steve Creed) to close out the result for Team Warwickshire, which of course he did in style shooting 75 in worsening conditions. The final winning margin was a fantastic 21 shots over Lincolnshire with Leicestershire and Rutland a further 13 shots behind them. ( CLICK HERE FOR ROUND ONE & TWO TEAM SCORES )
To say this was a satisfying result is a massive understatement, every player contributed to the overall success of the Team and showed a spirit and determination that was not as evident in other teams.
Congratulations to Warren, Tony and Steve who finished first, second and fourth respectively in the individual competition ( CLICK HERE FOR INDIVIDUAL SCORES )
I have many ‘thank you’s’ to acknowledge; To The Warwickshire Board for the support in the lead up to the event. The Board Members who came to Peterborough Milton to cheer the guys on, Bob Harrison and Graham Barton. The words and thoughts of experience from previous qualifiers from Mark and Deb Reynolds (thanks for the ball spotting as well Deb). To Nev Gardner as our reserve, caddy to Ken Spencer and massive help to me in preparing for the event . Matt Nixon, for your support and precise preparation of the yardage books for the players, they were a big help and I’m sure it did give us an advantage over our opposition. Pete Clarke for running the fairways tirelessly and arranging the food and hotel. To all those who sent messages wishing the team well from all quarters connected with Warwickshire Golf Union.
But I’m sure you will forgive me if I save my final thanks for the players; winners of The 2021 Midland Senior County Team Championship. You displayed a desire and passion to succeed as a Team throughout the tournament. I am sure we can take this forward to the final and use it positively to give ourselves every chance of further success. Thank you for making my job so easy.
So, on to the Final, it will be staged at Grange Park Golf Club, St Helens commencing 5th October 2021.
Our next match is a league match on the 16th August 2021 away to Derby at Mickleover GC.
Rob Soen
Warwickshire Seniors Captain
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