Saturday 28th May 2011 saw our Colts take on Middlesex Colts at Enfield GC. The morning foursomes were shared 2-2 with the new experimental pairing of Mike George & Gary Munro playing very well winning 4/2. Game 4 saw Aaron Roberts & U18 squad player Ryan Stamp take on the Middlesex pair of Jake Mildenhall & Alex Bowell. The Bedfordshire pair were 2 up after 8 holes, lost 3 holes on the run but fought back very well making a superb birdie 3 on the 17th to win their game 3/1.

With honours even following the foursomes, the afternoon singles were lead off by Jack Turner playing local boy Harry Casey. The Middlesex & England U18 Squad player proved too strong for Jack winning 6/4. Things improved with good wins for Aaron Roberts 4/3, Tom Munkley 3/1 & the very experienced Mike George 3/2.

Next to play the 18th was Connor Boyle. All square in a very tight game. Connor hit long into bushes & plants at the back of the green & lost the hole & game 1 down.

Gary Munro played great golf all day & had a tough match against Robbie Johnson. When all square, Gary was unlucky to see his three wood tee shot hit the green only to roll 20 yards down hill. Robbi,e bunkered off the tee, hit a superb bunker shot to 4' and holed out for a birdie 3 with Gary again hitting long with his pitch shot and failing to birdie the hole losing his game 1 down.

Ryan Stamp had fought back from 3 down with 6 to play to 1 down. Demonstrating an 'old head on young shoulders', Ryan stood on the 18th tee with the honour, Ryan hit a great drive green high but on the 13th tee box elevated 4' above the green in play and leaving a very difficult 10 yard chip. Middlesex's Jake Mildenhall obviously feeling the pressure of the situation then hit his tee shot into a water hazard 150 yards off the tee! Advantage Bedfordshire, or so you would think. Taking a penalty drop & still 120 yards out, Jake hit the shot of the match to 3' holing the putt for an unlikely par & when Ryan failed to up & down for a birdie 3 the game was lost 1 down.

The result Bedfordshire 5½ Middlesex 6½ Middlesex but with four games going to the 18th and Bedfordshire only gaining ½ a point from a possible 3 points available it could & should have been a very different report.

Congratulations to Aaron Roberts & Mike George on gaining two points & being unbeaten on the day, Tom Munkley & Simon Sculley on their singles performance after a disappointing morning. Also, thanks to Tom who working in London on Friday, travelled back to Milton Keynes to collect Ryan Stamp and arriving at 8pm in the evening. Captain on the day & showing commitment others should take note of.

This match saw both teams faced with selection problems but proved great excitement & was played in great spirit. I would like to thank Enfield GC who provided a courtesy round for our practice & all officials for their much valued support on the day. Great to see Brian Thompson supporting Bedfordshire and employed in a couple of rules decisions. Thanks to Clive Allen who not only transported players home but delivered my spare car key following me looking my set in the boot saving a three iron through the passenger window!

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