Seniors Win The West Midland League 19 8 21
Seniors win the West Midland League 19.8.21
Darron Henn hits a fine approach the the 17th during the Seniors league match v Staffordshire at The Worcestershire
Match Report - County Seniors v Staffordshire at The Worcestershire GC on Thursday 19th August 2021
After the year of Covid -19 in 2020 it was always going to be an interesting time in the world of County golf to see how our senior players responded to a post lockdown season and to the introduction of new players. In that respect, everyone's responded magnificently. Friendly matches in April and May helped to form new partnerships and when the league matches began in June, the team were ready to go. With three league wins under our belt it was down to the final match against Staffordshire to seal the deal and secure the West Midlands League Title.
Although overcast, it was a warm day and the course was in excellent condition. With fast, true greens and well placed pins, everything was set up for a great match against a strong Staffordshire team. We couldn't have made a better start by winning every foursomes match and, incredibly, led 6-0 at lunch. Nevertheless, there was no sense of any complacency, instead, there was the hard nosed determination shown by everyone to go out and win their afternoon four balls and gain the victory.
Tony Hill and Duncan Macpherson have formed a superb partnership this year and in the top match they expected, and received, a hard battle against Bob Aston and Roger Humphreyson. Nevertheless, they fought through to win by 2 holes on the tricky last green. The home pairing of Dave Marshall and Pete Lupino were in fine form with a convincing 4&3 foursomes win but had to work hard against the Staffs Captain, Colin Woolley and the experienced, Andy Guy in the four balls. Nevertheless, they were always in control and secured a fine 2&1 win, which, at that stage, ensured the match result for Worcestershire with 10 points. Excellent golf from Staffordshire's Terry Bray and Dave Westwood in match 3 couldn't be matched by Bill Thompson and Shaun Thornhill and they ran out solid 4&3 winners. In another close match Darron Henn and Nigel Taylor took Jim Charles and Kev Collins to the 17th but lost narrowly, 2&1. One of the strengths of our Worcestershire team this year has been finding strong partnerships in matches 4 and 5. This is particularly true of Mark Carpenter and Pete Desmond, who play a similar game and have really become very difficult to beat. Once again, they combined well to defeat Mark Hateley and Paul Morris 3&1. A similar partnership has evolved between Jim Leydon and Ian Smith, who, together, are unbeaten this year. Ian Smith has not lost a match since the season began and this really is a superb achievement, given the strength of opposition we often face. Brilliant performances Ian. They ran out as strong 3&2 winners against Mark Ashton and Chris Wonfor and therefore, overall, it was a convincing 14-4 victory, giving the Worcestershire Seniors the West Midlands Regional League title.
Click here for the match scoresheet
It was great to see Past Captains, Paul Newman and Grenville Rose coming over to support the team as well as receive many text and WhatsApp messages of congratulations. I have nothing but the highest praise for all the players who've represented this side this year. They are fully committed to playing County representative golf, a pleasure to work with and I've really enjoyed being their Captain. The result does mean that we qualify for the Midland Regional Final against the East Region (The winners are still to be decided with a few games to go). This will be played at Kedleston Park GC on Monday 6th September and the match arrangements will be sorted out shortly.
I'd like to thank everyone at the Worcestershire G.C. The catering, which was excellent, the bar staff and hospitality shown to everyone was first class. All my dealings with the club in the lead up to this match have been very supportive and they certainly made us feel most welcome. I'd like to specially mention, Chris Goodnum (bar), Pete Sumner (Bar support) Mike and Sharon (Catering) Steve Lloyd (Greens), Paul (Club Pro) Andy Longley (Club Captain) and Dave Marshall (Club Chairman).
Bill Thompson
Worcestershire County Seniors Team Captain
The Worcestershire County Seniors Team at The Worcestershire GC - Thursday 19th August 2021
LtoR: Nigel Taylor (Redditch Pitcheroak), Ian Smith (Worcs G&CC), Jim Leydon (Kings Norton), Dave Marshall (The Worcs) Mark Carpenter (Worcs G&CC), Bill Thompson (Kings Norton), Pete Desmond (Moseley), Shaun Thornhill (Kings Norton), Duncan Macpherson (Worcs G&CC), Pete Lupino (The Worcs), Tony Hill (Moseley), Darron Henn (Gaudet Luce)