13 June 2024

NWMGA Team Match - Week 5 Pike Fold Away

This week we travelled the short distance up the road to Pike for our 'Derby' match hoping to build on recent good form in the league and maintain a top 3 place. Things had not gone smoothly for me and Gaz with selection with a Lot of players not available due to other personnel arrangements and the fact some had arranged Knockouts (the Original Date of Thursday 13th had been brought forward to the 12th) - and the fact we clashed again with the BDGA team match - however that is mine and Gaz's problem to sort out, thankfully we have a few players in reserve to call on if needed.

Match / Player Report

Dave 'Richie' Richardson

Richie (Giving 1 Shot)had teed off before I got there, and I missed him knob it from the Tee on the par 5 1st - however he still manged to get a Par and Win the Hole - Funny Old game. Richie started well and went 4 up at one stage, however his opponent ground him down - with the telling shot being his 3rd on 16 - after 2 hackers shots - which he put to about 6 ft, Richie missed his par Putt, and his opponent sank it to go A/S playing the last, Unfortunately Richie skied his tee shot and then put it in the Water to lose 1 Down, Nice to see both Dad and Lad out on the Course though - Enjoy the Fishing Richie 🪓🪓🪓🪓

Si Daniels

Well what a rough start he had, being 3 down after 3 and also giving 2 Shots, si fought his way back and was stood on 18 1 Up - He split the fairway in '3 halves' with his drive, but it had picked up a 'Jockey' and unbeknown to S, and his opponent, it had been agreed that all games could lift, clean and place on Closely mown - so he played it as it lied, came up short and right and ended up losing the Hole for a Halve

Gareth 'Sid' Arnison

Sid had been called upon as a replacement, as the availability of Low men was very minimal - but he would always try to make games if requested. Playing in the Number 1 slot against a Very Good opponent away from home was always going to be a tough ask - he did receive the 1 shot however and made use of that on the Stroke 1 3rd, as he won it to get it back to 1 Down - Alas that was his highlight of the Night as in the end Gareth lost 5 n 4.🪓🪓🪓🪓

Kev Speight

Our Vice Captain made his first appearance of the season and with receiving 4 shots from his opponent, he was my Banker for a point on the night - unfortunately he never got going on the Night and he lost 5 n 4 as well 🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓

Josh Carr

Josh was playing his second game in the league, and after making his Losing debut at Prestwich, he could be forgiven to think Me and Gaz where trying to destroy his confidence, as he faced their Captain Paul Cuthbert and also had to give him a massive 5 Shots. Josh started his game well and looked in a confident mood, which seen him 3 up after 7 - and still 3 shots to give his opponent. On 11 He lost his ball in the deep rough and he had been pegged back to just 1 up on 12. He went 2 up after 12 and then quickly lost 13 - only to birdie 14 to get back to 2 up, he then won one of the next 2 holes and came out on top with a Brilliant 3n2 Victory - Well done Josh, not only on being our only winner on the night, but playing great golf to win after giving 5 shots 👏👏👏👏👏

Kev 'The Machine' Simmons

Kev was always going to be against it as he also had to give 5 shots to his opponent, who looked more single figure than 14.7 - especially after birdying the Stroke 1, Unfortunately the Machine slipped a few gears and Cogs and eventually lost 5n 4. 🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓

Ian 'Mozzer' Morris

Another one who had to give a few shots - 4 - and despite playing well it was always going to be his Hosts night, sinking long putts, chipping in - another deflation and it gets frustrating when playing well, that happens to you, and any golfer reading this will totally understand what that means. He tried to get himself back in the game, but alas when you are 3 down on the back 9 the damage has mainly been done in the earlier holes and there is no way back.🪓🪓🪓🪓

Andy Hall

Andy usually enjoys the task of playing away, but not tonight as he came down to earth with a bang, after winning both his previous away games. His opponent received a shot off Andy and I think their 3rd Hole told the story of their Game in that one was slightly worse than the other and Andy succumbed in the end and became the 3rd player to lose 5n4. 🪓🪓🪓🪓

Ollie 'Future Golf Champion' Richardson

After a Little bit of a pounding, it is always good to look at Positives. This young man will be playing for our teams before to long and I am sure he has a Bright Golfing (And Darting according to his Dad) future in front of him - It was nice to see him there last night supporting his Dad Richie - Thanks for your support young Man. 👏👏👏👏

So a very disappointing result of 6.5 - 1.5, and as much as it hurt all those that lost, it is golf and sometimes you Don't win, no matter how well you may play, your opponent hit that great shot or sunk that long putt at the right time which can and will deflate you - Hey every Dog has its day and yours will come again. Myself and Gaz always appreciate the effort and wanting to play and represent our Club. The team will be picked and announced after the Weekends Golf - just in case we have any Movers from High to Low or opposite. Thanks to our Chairman for his support as well last night - it is always good to see people at the games to support the Team - Hope to see some more at our next Game at Home to Rochdale Next Wednesday 19th June. Good luck to all who are playing this weekend and to the Seniors (like myself) who well partake in round 2 on Monday 17th.

Dont forget to append your name to the list for the Presidents Trophy at Pike on Sunday 30th June - and choose your preferred Tee Time.