NARROW VICTORY FOR BEDFORDSHIRE FIRST TEAM.

After last Saturday’s highly successful squad day with the seniors and under 18s the first team hosted Cambridgeshire at The Millbrook Golf Club in our first friendly of the season.

Conditions were very difficult with very blustery winds, so full focus required if we were to gain a win from what is always a very competitive fixture.

This year’s captain Scott Armitage and Paul Kenna lead the way for Bedfordshire on a day where mistakes would cost dearly.

Scott and Paul took time to settle, going a few down early on, however they got their game going but were unable to pull back the deficit losing 3/2.

Paul Kitching and Ryan Craig out second in a new pairing and a pairing that hit it off from the very start always looking in control and finally winning comfortably 6/5.

Marc Callahan and Curtis Sage-Passant out third and went behind early on and once again they were unable to claw back the early lost holes losing 4/3.

2-1 behind not the position we were looking for, as we knew a lead in the foursomes is very important especially at home.

With another new pairing of Adam Wraight and Rob Dobson out at four a win was badly needed and the lads produced some fantastic golf sealing a nice 6/4 win.

Last game out Norman Cilliers and Ryan Smith needing to swing the advantage Bedfordshire’s way and they did not disappoint, in a tough match they got their noses ahead and managed to stay there, a 3-1 win gave our lads a narrow 3-2 victory in the foursomes. 

So not too bad, at least a narrow lead, on a morning where we had experimented with possible new pairings knowing from past years how important strong confident pairs are.

Marc Callahan, on his debut, lead the way in the afternoon singles, out at one never easy, Marc played some steady golf but the experience of his playing partner just showed on the back nine with Marc losing 3/2.

Ryan Craig at two and Curtis Sage-Passant at three both held their own on the front but again both fell behind over the last few holes with Ryan losing 3/2 and Curtis 2/1.

So now the pressure was on, five points required to win the match and already three losses from the first three points needed.

Paul Kitching out at four, eased the situation with textbook match play golf, with his playing partner regularly out driving him by some distance Paul just kept to his game plan hitting fairways and greens and then sinking the putts a great 5/3 win.

Another debutant at five Rob Dobson and another great win 3/2 a great day for Rob going unbeaten on his first outing for Bedfordshire.

Norman Cilliers at six with a chance to level the afternoon singles and a chance that Norman would not let go in a game that was very tight, but he produced the shots over the back nine that would ease the situation for his team winning 3/2.

So now only two points required for Bedfordshire to gain victory.

Match seven but no points here with Scott Armitage losing 4/3 but good news from match ten finishing nice and early with Ryan Smith playing great golf and winning 6/5.

One point required and we didn’t have to wait very long with the ever steady Paul Kenna taking a 2/1 win from a very hard fought match, with Adam Wraight going two down on the last two holes as light faded the afternoon singles finished 5-5.

This was a very tough match which was just what we needed. The lads showed great fighting spirit, determined not to lose on their home track, a great effort. Credit must go to the Cambridgeshire team for putting up a great fight right until the very end.

We play Northamptonshire at Wellingborough Golf Club on Sunday 9^th April in our second friendly another match that will be highly contested.

Dave Weedon.

First Team Manager.

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