Close Call at Close House

The Men's team played their Hadrian League match away to Close House yesterday evening. This is Close House's first year back in the league following a gap of 5 years and many of our team had not previously played the course, which is a big disadvantage. In cloudy and windy conditions, the team of Graeme Hewitt, Daniel Trotter, Craig Wilson, Ian Davidson, Ronnie Dixon and Paul Shanks started on the 1st tee with the team's unbeaten league position very much in their hands. Some difficult holes and even more difficult greens had all the team members struggling to stay on level terms, and after 6 holes, 4 members were down. As they came to the end of the 14th, Graeme was all square, Ian was all square, Daniel had lost 6 and 5, Craig was 2 down,Ronnie was 2 down and Paul had won 5 and 4. Things were looking a bit grim and Brian King and myself were chewing our nails. However, some tenacity in the last few holes rescued the day and Graeme went on to win 2 and 1, and Ian won 1 up. So 3 wins and 6 league points and an honourable draw 6 - 6. The match was followed by a team meal in a private dining room in the mansion. Well done to the team ... during the month of May we have played 4 matches, with 2 wins and 2 draws. A great achievement by all concerned.