Roy Roberts – John Devereux – Brian Rice – Peter Dunstan
As is the most recent plan, everyone agreed to travel a day earlier to facilitate more agreeable travelling time for our first match on tour to Shropshire, in this case five minutes to our first venue, Chesterton Valley GC. Such were the weather conditions, and the forecasts, that several players questioned the possibility of any golf at all. We did however proceed to our accommodation, Patshull Park, Hotel and Golf Club, with a little trepidation but some optimism. At dinner, ‘phones were constantly examined for the latest weather predictions. Thereafter time in the bar and ‘several’ G&Ts later, with somewhat lightened wallets, conversation turned to previous tours particularly 2012 and the most recent year of frequent rain.
Next morning with lowering skies, and no promising news from our opponents, we drifted to the golf club. Upon arrival the news brilliant, buggies available and 18 main greens, hurrah! Bad news however from our host Captain, only 12 home players available, in the next hour numbers varied 14,16, 14 and then 16!
The course was in amazing condition, no very wet patches despite some very heavy rain during the night, buggies driven in all areas. Understandably the very well designed greens were of medium pace but in excellent condition. The owner was on the course very kindly safely guiding players across the B road, on two points. Regardless of results we Devon players were very thankful that at least we had played and mostly enjoyed the course.
Words of thanks from both Captain’s to all concerned, at Chesterton Valley, we made our return to the hotel, 5 minutes, to debate the day’s play and celebrate or mourn wins and losses, together with more G&Ts and replenished wallets!
Malcolm Jordain
Team sheet and pairings Shropshire at Chesterton Valley 12 June 2019
