Paul Williamson – Ben Lynch – Steve Robinson – Malcolm Jordain
The biennial tour to Sussex and Hampshire was a first in the sense that our resourceful Vice Captain, Brian Rice, pre booked eight rooms at the Premier Inn Chichester for an extra night! Hence sixteen players all took up his offer and arrived the day prior to our matchday, obviously to bond carry out a random test of local ales and wine. The hotel, not able or suitable to provide appropriate victualling to our exacting requirements, required the scouting party to provide an alternative. Once more the upcoming duo of Rice/Heaman triumphed, Frankie & Benny’s a stones throw away. Furthermore when seated our Vice Captain elect, Graham, announced a potential 20% saving on food when using a discount card in his possession, what a good chap!
Rested and resembling coiled springs our party set out to travel the short distance to Littlehampton, a fierce squally shower whilst travelling was a concern. Arriving at the golf club the sun shone and rain ceased thankfully. Our generous hosts, as usual, provided ham, egg and chips as if our breakfast at GHQ were not able to sustain the Devon athletes in our upcoming battles.
The first and obvious fact was that the area, particularly golf courses, were desperate for rain. Greens hollow tined, just 14 days prior to our visit, had not yet recovered through lack of water and growth, despite this they putted well all things considered. Extensive works were being carried out on the club’s practice area and according to Steve Robinson, the club’s Captain, would provide some of the best facilities in the area. The travelling arrangements certainly produced a team in fine fettle, when examining the result sheet, our thanks however go to our hosts and opponents and members and staff at Littlehampton GC, as always thoroughly enjoyable and very well hosted.
Malcolm Jordain
