Boys 4 Counties Tournament

Our boys final tournament of the season was the rescheduled U18’s four counties against three very strong teams. The hosts Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Due to the event being held later in the year the usual singles format had to be changed to foursomes, because of daylight hours.

The two day event was held at the 99 year old, undulating parkland course, Lilley Brook GC. With stunning views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills framing this spectacular and tricky course.

Our boys had to be on their best form if we were to get our hands on this prestigious trophy.

Our first match saw us up against the home team, Gloucestershire.

Course knowledge proved to be essential on the day but most noticeable was the home team’s experience in and around these greens. Our first pairing of Louie Stott and Alex Emms fought hard all the way but unfortunately came up a little short.

Our next two pairings of Phil Krone with Tom Lennon and Mark Hewlett with Elliot Jones also never gave up, but were unable to match their opponents knowledge of the greens.

Our Captain Harrison Leaver and his playing partner Sam Rowbottom played some outstanding golf together. Unfortunately their opponents were also up to the challenge, neither pair deserved to loose the game, but still it took a fairway splitting drive from Sam and a perfectly judged chip from Harrison to secure the half point.

The following morning’s fixture was an early 8am start against a strong Staffordshire team. After a slight reshuffle to our pairings we couldn’t have got of to a better start. After such fine teamwork the previous day our opening pair of Louie and Alex picked up where they left off and with such big hitting drives leaving just wedges into the tricky greens, it looked like we were favourite in this match. Unfortunately the Staffs opening pair were equally up for the challenge trading blow for blow and when the wind and rain hit going through the turn, it was the opposition who managed to golf their ball through the tricky conditions.

Our second pairing of Phil Krone and Mark Hewlett got of to a flying start, winning the first two holes and when Phil drained the longest putt from our team all tournament on the fourth green from 20 feet, this match was never in doubt. Even with a mini fight back from Staffs near the end, it only took a stress free par on the 18th to secure our point.

In a similar fashion our third pairing of Tom Lennon and Elliot Jones also took control of their match from the off. Having never gone behind, our boys looked in total control and when Tom’s chip on 16 finished inches from the pin, there was nothing their opponents could do but shake hands.

Our most emphatic win came from our anchor pairing of Harrison and Sam. After a strong performance the day before, both boys carried on where they left off. Also never going behind, our boys were 4up through 11 holes and in true leadership style, Harrison and Sam chalked up our first full point with a 4&3 victory.

Our final fixture after lunch saw us take on the current holders Warwickshire. Knowing nothing better then a 3-1 victory would give us a chance to lift the trophy, we started the afternoon session confidently after our morning win.

Our unbeaten pair of Harrison and Sam lead the team with Phil and Mark second, Louie and Alex third and Tom and Elliot out fourth.

Every one of our boys played to an exceptional standard but unfortunately the very strong Warwickshire team, filled with England internationals took the spoils, winning all four matches. Louie and Alex were especially unlucky not to get a result out of their match after their opponents made a 10 footer on the last to win 1up.

Congratulations to Warwickshire on winning the 2021 boys four counties. Gloucestershire came second after beating Staffordshire in their afternoon fixture with Worcestershire coming a very respectable third.

Thank you to everyone at Lilley Brook GC for making us feel so welcome.

However a special thank you must go to Roger Martin, Kevin Fee and Ian Griffiths for all of your help and support.

All our boys have had an amazing season this year and every one of them should be extremely proud of all of their efforts. We can’t thank you all enough for all of the respect and etiquette you’ve displayed, not only to your opponents but also to all the clubs you’ve attended and all of their members. You all play the game we love, in the correct manner and we are very proud of you all.

Have a relaxing winter, keep practicing when the weather permits and we look forward to seeing you all for pre-season.

Mark Hewlett

U18 & U16 Team Manager