Peter Spencer – Graham Heaman – Neil Hayman – Rob Daniels
Six withdrawals from the original 16 players meant that, despite the Captain’s and Vice’s best efforts, we had a team of 15 travellers only. The President and I travelled via Burford GC whereupon, by arrangement, we met up with Roger Sillence (Oxford Match Fixture Sec) and another old friend Andrew Chaundy,, back in the 90’s Secretary/Manager at Churston GC. Upon learning that we were a player short, Roger suggested that Andrew play, to our surprise and pleasure Andrew agreed to help us out. Question, is Andrew now a future Devon Past Captain?
Arriving on site at Seldon Valley we discovered that our well appointed hotel and clubhouse were within yards of one another, very convenient. Both were of very modern construction detail and a welcome variant of clubhouse design. Unfortunately the club were unable to provide dinner for our intrepid pioneers because of staff shortages so, together with our 8 other players, we journeyed a few miles to nearby Shipston-on-Stour to a local hostelry. Returning to the hotel we of course continued with bonding and sampling local libations and the novelty of playing a course none of us knew or had played.
Enjoined by our fellow 6 players the next day, including Andrew Chaundy, we were introduced to our opponents over lunch, prior to play. The course, relatively new, has been in the same ownership since construction and was in good condition. Not long but with a number of holes requiring local knowledge, generously provided by our hosts. The greens were in good condition, still seeding but of reasonable pace and consistency. Eventually the lack of local knowledge, ability and overnight ‘fragility’ produced a win for our very pleasant hosts. Speeches of thanks and appreciation to our hosts to be followed by Devon’s main talent and skill, drowning our sorrows and swiftly dispatching the result to the records of history. Tomorrow is another day, Warwickshire and the delightful Coventry Finham GC awaiting our arrival.
Malcolm Jordain
