Undeterred by the dismal weather conditions last Sunday, the Divots arrived at the clubhouse anxious to join in battle, and improve their league positions. However, once out on the course, the persistent rain and wind took its toll, and was a major factor in the results. A number of matches were conceded before they ran their full course, players wisely preferring to seek sanctuary, solace and dry clothing back in the clubhouse.
For sheer perseverance, match of the day was the game between Richard Chapman and Laurence Lindsey playing against Nick Rogers and Ken Goldsborough. This match went all the way to the 18th where the honours were shared. A fair result in what was a hard fought struggle under the prevailing weather conditions.
The Divots are a cagey group, some turn up on Sunday mornings irrespective of their state of health after the previous night's socialising, unwilling to allow their destiny to be decided by the ever willing substitutes. Others take the opportunity to bring in fresh talent to boost their points tally.
For some it works. Gareth Rees, this week partnered by Roger Schooling, substituting for Martin Durham, forced Vince Shaw and Rob Hall to concede their game. Vince and Rob made a promising start, but as the weather deteriorated so did their ability to hold and swing a golf club, eventually capitulating after the 10th hole. This win earns Gareth and Martin their first points of the season. It should be said that Maritn was unavailable because of an ankle injury sustained when he fell off the practice mats preparing for the match! The Divots wish you a speedy recovery Martin, and hope to see you back soon.
Martin Morris, fresh from winning the Turkey on Saturday, substituting for Divots captain Steve Evans, fared worse. Playing with Loz Phillips against young Nicklas Thomas and Neil Dickinson nothing went their way. Martin and Loz failed to capitalise on a penalty shot on the fourth hole. Loz had enough and after losing the fifth to go three down, threw in the towel, preferring the short walk back to the clubhouse, than to head deeper up country. Losing 3 and 13 doesn't sound quite right! This result takes Nick and Neil to the top of the league.
David Ayers and Ian Jarvis also conceded their match against Adam Joseph and Graham Waring. They persevered to the 13th hole and with Adam and Graham two up they decided to call it a day when David believed he was about to succumb to hypothermia. Thermal underwear may be on David's Christmas present wish list.
Kenny Breaker and Alan Yates lost pole position on the leader board when they conceded their match to Allan Morton and Gavin Field-Thomas, alias the Teletubbies. Although four down and five to play, concession may not be the right word! Back in the clubhouse, both sides bemoaned the quality of the golf. La-La, or was it Dipsy, said that they played better bad golf than their opponents! While Kenny believed that someone on high was looking after the Tubbies. Balls mysteriously bounced out of the rough into the centre of the fairway and topped putts somehow found their way into the hole.
Chris Hughes and Matt Evans won a hard match against Richard Morton and Nigel Ayers. Richard and Nigel fought back from being four down with eight to play to square the match at the 15th. The possibility of losing must have woken Chris and Matt up, for they promptly won the next two holes to take the match 2 and 1.
The Divots have a free week this Sunday planned no doubt because none will be in a fit state following tomorrow's (Saturday's) prize-giving evening at the club.
Results were as follows: C. Hughes and M. Evans bt R. Morton and N. Ayers 2 and 1; R. Chapman and L. Lindsey halved with N. Rogers and K. Goldsborough; K. Breaker and A. Yates conceded to A. Morton and G. Field-Thomas; L. Phillips and M. Morris conceded to N. Thomas and N. Dickinson; D. Ayers and I. Jarvis conceded to A. Joseph and G. Waring; V. Shaw and R. Hall conceded to G. Rees and R. Schooling.