Derek Pounder- Adam Nicol- Mike Badcock- Brian Mortimer
So to the Captain’s last hurrah, swansong or finale, rested and refreshed from the toils at Sussex, all dearly wished for a good result at today’s venue, Rowlands Castle. Neither Ham Manor or Rowlands Castle had been played by any of the Devon team, or even heard of by most. Today another treat, a lush parkland course well established over its 109 years existence. A very imposing clubhouse of recent build held for us yet another ham, egg and chips lunch, once more after a substantial Premier Inn breakfast, phew again!
Good news from the west, our trusty comrade Brian (The Lion) Rice had sped from Devon to fill our ranks and bring the team up to full strength, well done Brian. The greens today were not yet quite there but the evidence suggested they would be very good shortly, everyone requiring some rain and warmth for growth. The matches, save for a couple, were nip and tuck and keenly contested. One match won by Devon on the eighteenth, never having been up in the match far too close for comfort. Sitting in the clubhouse it soon became clear that the Captain’s final match was not to be lost, Bernard (Ben) Lynch and Tony Edge bringing home the bacon in match seven. Our genial Captain retained his sporting equilibrium but was obviously delighted to achieve a “Tour Double”
Mike Badcock has had a most agreeable year and those of us that have played with and for him have thoroughly enjoyed his humour, companionship and sporting attitude. Mike’s two years as Vice and Captain have not been without problems, his arthritic wrist requiring cortisone injections to cope with acute pain and discomfort. Along with others Mike and I will be travelling to La Belle France next week where apparently, during the course of a weeks golf, a new anti-inflammatory red wine has just been discovered, bon voyage !
President’s Day next at Torquay and Mike will pass the baton to Bob Webber who I know will be giving 100% because he knows he has a hard act to follow. I’m equally sure he will be well supported and lead us through another enjoyable year, good luck Bob. Supporting Bob and commencing a busy period will be Ben Lynch who will be looking to all to make his job, getting teams out, as straightforward as possible, good luck to you both but above all enjoy!
Malcolm Jordain
TEAM & RESULTS SHEET HAMPSHIRE 28TH APRIL 2017
