Tony Edge – Bob Julier – Stefan Kotlarzewski – Bob webber
Refreshed, replenished and replete our tourers head North some 75 miles to our next venue, Churchill and Blakedown GC, Worcester. This venue is unusual for those of us who are fortunate to play in matches, a nine holer. Not everyone would maybe choose a nine hole course to play however, this one is rather different with eighteen totally different tees thereby creating 18 entirely varied tee shots. The attractive clubhouse sits above the opening few holes and providing enough evidence to give thanks to those of us that had reserved buggies, at a very reasonable cost £14. Once again the course was in very good condition but prior to play commencing thunder and lightning was heard and seen not too far away, fortunately this cleared from our area and play commenced. We were started by the popular and all things to Worcester Captains, Paul Walker. His infectious enthusiasm and impeccable organisation on the day was as usual first class. Churchill and Blakedown, Paul’s home club, was not however on his playlist this time he did however return to dine with us all later, thank you Paul another lovely day.
Those of you that have read Ron Blake’s history of Devon versus Worcester will know that our green blazers were a “borrowed” idea from Worcester Captains. Their first match against anyone played at Exeter G&CC in 1977 which culminated this year with their fortieth anniversary match. The Devon team, encouraged by their earlier win, were however on the back foot with local knowledge a great benefit. Peter Dunstan however reversed the run of play winning “nearest the pin” on the eleventh. Valiant souls battled hard but most wins were decisive and several matches could have gone either way, the Ian Stuart (Stuart Crystal) memorial decanter held once more by Worcester. With another meal and speeches made our valiant drivers made for home, an hour and a half later passing our morning starting point. Torrential rain for much of the journey home made us even more grateful to the heroic drivers and their “Tour de Force”
Malcolm Jordain
Team & Result Sheet v Worcester