11-4 Win for Boys v Northumberland
Good Start for Yorkshire Boys
Once again, our first match of the season in the Northern Counties League was against Northumberland at Garforth GC. For a change the day started hot, in fact very hot! The weather was kind for the whole day avoiding the thunderstorms rumbling around us in the afternoon.
We had five first team appearances for the Boys in Harry Richmond, Seth Topham, Sam McIntyre, Jack Emmingham and Albie Walker.
Our Captain, Will Bracha led the way with partner Harry Phillips and after a poor opening hole where a half with bogeys was followed with Will driving the third and Harry making the putt for eagle to go 1Up. A birdie followed at four and with bogeys at six and seven the game was back to all square. A birdie at 9 gave them a 1Up advantage at the turn where they then took control and won 5&3. Ilkley members Harry and Zac had a tough game against their opponents, Charlie and Will and although playing well and under par they could not match the on-form duo and halving the last with pars lost the game 1 Down. Our Ganton duo of George and Seth were our third pairing out playing well together and after winning the second hole they continued in the same vein to win 7&6. Sam and Jack won the first hole with a birdie after Garforth member Sam drove the first hole and going out in 3 under par gave them a 5Up lead for which their opponents could not compete against. Sam and Jack won 7&6 and were 4 under for twelve holes. Finally, Archie was partnered with Albie, and they had a close game for the front nine reaching the turn at 1Up, but then they took control winning 5&4. A great start for Team Yorkshire in the morning foursomes with the score standing at 4 – 1 at lunch.
In our singles in the afternoon, we virtually took control of most of the games. Our captain was level playing the last and with his second shot nine iron to the 431yd hole he got a flyer and the ball cleared the hedge to disappear AOB and sadly lost 1Down. Harry Phillips was tied after nine, then his opponent went 2Up after fourteen and with pars on the next two holes Harry was back tied. He won seventeen with a par and bogeys on the last gave him the 1Up win. We had a run of good wins from Harry Richmond, Zac Ayre, Archie Palmer, Albie Walker and Jack Emmingham. Garforth member Sam had a battle having been 2Up after five holes to be tied after nine then took control at fourteen to win 2Up. Sadly, Seth and George lost their games. Our final score was 11 – 4 so a good start to our season.
The boys played well throughout the day and worked well despite the heat! They conducted themselves in true Team Yorkshire style and both Craig and I were delighted with how they performed and can safely say “they are a credit to Yorkshire”!
I would like to thank captain Tony of Garforth Golf Club who along with Alan Garbutt, Natasha, Tina and the other members of staff looked after our needs very well. A special mention to the Greens staff for providing a good turned-out course especially in these testing weather conditions we are experiencing currently, the boys thought the course was a good test! Finally, my thanks to parents and supporters of the board who were in attendance.
Philip
