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WORCESTERSHIRE V NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
1st TEAM MATCH
4th September 2011
Worksop Golf Club
Match Report
Chris Heeley assumed the role of acting Captain for the long trip to Worksop. A number of players, for various reasons, were unavailable and so the County had to draw on all of its resources to field a competitive side to face Nottinghamshire, especially as the league situation was still up for grabs.
Light rain greeted the players on the first tee for the foursomes and this soon developed into heavy downpours as the rounds progressed. Worksop is a tight, well designed, heathland course and good course management and distance control were the key priorities. With many players new to the course for the first time it was a good challenge for our pairings to work together in order to plot their way round.
Chris Heeley and Jon Hems were unlucky to only secure a halved match as they were very much in charge. George Palmer and Henry James were playing excellent golf and with a number of birdies they won a good quality match, 2&1. Unfortunately, the other pairings found it hard going and couldn't manage a win between them. It was 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 to Notts at lunch.
After lunch, the weather greatly improved and it was a perfect afternoon for the singles. George Palmer, ( County Stroke Play Champion) led off in the top match and continued his good form with an excellent win by one hole. Jon Hems, who was arrow straight all day and with Chris Heeley's solid consistency, Worcestershire raced to 3 early wins in the singles. Unfortunately, that was the end of the singles success. All the remaining players fought hard and although Paul Reeves was three under before losing, they just couldn't overturn their opponents with stories of missed putts and missed fairways. Playing the important anchor role, Darren Smith (2011 Sandwell Arch winner) battled all the way to the 18th but just narrowly missed his putt for a half.
Congratulations to George Palmer, who, with two points on the day, is showing that he is very comfortable at this level. Solid, consistent performances by Jon Hems and Chris Heeley just weren't enough to overturn a good Nottinghamshire team. We wish Matt Tweddell and Rudi Hercik all the best as they return to University later this month and whilst we lick our wounds from this match the County will have to re- group and ensure as strong a team as possible is available for the final match of the season at Kings Norton G.C. on October 2nd, against Shropshire and Herefordshire. There is still a slim chance, if other results go our way, of winning the league.
Many thanks to Nottinghamshire Golf Union and Worksop Golf Club for their fine hospitality and good levels of organisation in hosting this match. Thank you to Chris Heeley for stepping in to Captain the side as well as to all the players who gave up their time to make the long trip to Worskop to represent the County.
Report by
Bill Thompson
County Chairman
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