Martin Statham – Steve Spicer – Brian Rice – John Devereux
Day two and a return to an oft visited venue Bridgnorth GC, with rumours rife of an eclectic nine hole course being compiled to allow some play, bottom lips were distinctly obvious! Arriving at the course, deep joy a la Stanley Unwin, course fully open and what’s more buggies were on, hurrah. Bridgnorth, for those unfamiliar with the course, is particularly challenging with the first two holes steeply sloped, also the eighteenth for those that reached there. After the steeply downhill par three third the course changes dramatically into a gentle fourteen hole parkland course. Unbelievably dry in very many areas it was difficult to comprehend, with some torrential rain having occurred during our visit, nevertheless everyone was happy to know we were once again incredibly fortunate. The Severn, fast flowing alongside the lower holes, ingressed at one point creating a natural ‘pond’ for a family of swans and cygnets to use.
Unfortunately our hosts were two men down and could not be brought to full strength prior to play. The Devon team, happy to be playing a full course once again, enjoyed the return to the golf club last played in 2017, our last tour. Our Captain’s first tour was of mixed feelings, happy to have played thirty six holes, relatively dry, but our Salopian rivals grasping two narrow victories. Brian and his two erstwhile partners remaining unbeaten with a comfortable win and an honourable half, bravo! An earlier start meant that we were able to complete the golf, eat, give thanks to our hosts and fellow players and return home in daylight.
Malcolm Jordain
Team sheet and pairings Shropshire at Bridgnorth Thursday 13 June 2019
