Men's Team - The Start of the Season

Last night saw the first match of the season for the Parklands Men's team, playing at home to Bedlingtonshire, a team which we have already played before the season commenced, having drawn them in the Mail on Sunday competition and who we are due to play in the Davison Cup in 10 days time. But this was the league and we wanted to get off to a good start, recognising that they are potentially one of the stronger teams in the league. The Parklands team was Graeme Hewitt, Ricky Jamieson (see later), Daniel Trotter, Ian Davidson, Ronnie Dixon and Iain Cunningham with Paul Shanks in reserve. We started in threatening conditions with cloudy damp skies and strong winds. The first five matches were away by 5.45pm but we then had a delay waiting for a missing Parklands player who failed to show. At 6.00pm I asked Ricky to step into the vacant slot and he ended up playing Kevin Beaney, their number 2 and a scratch golfer. Ricky was soon 4 down, but fought his way back to 1 down before losing 3/2. Kevin, who is the Bedlingtonshire Captain this year was full of praise for his tenacious performance. Well done Ricky. In the other matches our fortunes were up and down. Ronnie Dixon got to a position of 3 up which he held until the end, winning 3/2. Daniel Trotter was 3 up, but had a few scary moments before winning on the 18th. Graeme Hewitt, playing at number 1 against Kris Wylam had a super win going 2 up on the 18th. In the other two matches Ian Davidson lost 4/3 and Iain Cunningham a close fought battle before losing 2/1. The overall result was a 6 - 6 draw and a great start to the season. Well done to you all.