Sunday 30^th August and the last fixture of the season. Morale in the Bedfordshire camp was high, after their last gasp draw with Hertfordshire in their last fixture but as always a very strong BB & 0 team awaited our lads.

The morning was still and perfect for golf, with the course in great shape and the greens rolling perfectly. The foursomes got under way with the young pairing of Harry Boyle and Luke Charnley leading the way for Bedfordshire and, although in the match early on, they could not stay with the strong lead pair from B.B & O losing 5/4.

Norman Cilliers and Jack Hawksby, out second, soon equalled the score with a fine 3/2 win, closely followed by Matt Hill and Jack Leek with a comfortable 4/3, so advantage to us with one foursomes match looking like it was going the distance.

This last match of the morning was going to be vital to gain an advantage for the afternoon singles.

Scott Armitage and new cap Thomas Mead were producing some great golf to stay with their opponents all square heading to the eighteenth tee. Scott had the honour and nailed his tee shot putting the BB & O pair under pressure and this showed when they leaked their tee shot out to the left behind a few trees blocking their line in to the green. Tom found the bunker front right but their opponents tried to play a low runner and hit the down slope in front of the green throwing their ball out of bounds and giving Bedfordshire the hole and the game. This match was crucial, winning it gave us a three to one lead at lunch and a great chance of ending our season on a high.

As the singles started so did the rain, the forecast was wet for the rest of the day so concentration of the highest level was required. Three and a half points required for victory, captain Matt Hill led from the front against a very impressive Dave Morris in a very tight match with Matt finally losing 2-1.

The ever dependant Norman Cilliers soon levelled the afternoon up all square at the turn, but some great golf on the back nine gave Norman a 4-3 win. Scott Armitage also did the job with probably his best performance of the season winning 3-2.

Further down the order at seven Jack Hawksby beat his opponent 5-4, and was always in control with another great performance. So, three points secured, another half required for the win and this soon came from Luke Charnley, although being behind for most of his match and two down with two to play, Luke showed the fight that the Bedfordshire lads have showed all season, winning the last two holes with birdies to halve his match and secure the win for his team.

Harry Boyle and Tom Mead both lost their matches 2-1 and 2 down respectively but Jack Leek, out at the tail for insurance, produced another great win 2 up.

A great win in the foursomes a great win 4.5 – 3.5 in the singles and a great win in the match 7.5- 3.5.

This was a great performance from the Bedfordshire team probably the best since I have been in charge and no more than the lads deserved. The effort and commitment have been superb all season and this win should give us great belief and confidence for next year knowing we can compete and win.

Our thanks go to The Millbrook for presenting their course in fantastic condition and for looking after us so well in our home fixtures this season. I also want to thank John Jones for his fantastic support during his 2 years as President and this result is a fitting end to his term in office.

Dave Weedon

First Team Manager

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