Keith Holmes – Mike Badcock – Ben Lynch _ Peter Walton
The only tour of the year took our tourists to two new venues, the first The Wychwood Golf Club, previously known as Lyneham Golf Club. Ten of our intrepid tourists decided to pioneer the area, by way of travelling a day early, staying at The Cotswold Hotel Golf & Spa where previous tours had been well looked after two years previously. With new Captain & Vice Captain, Ben Lynch and Brian Rice debuting their roles and duties, research and bonding were essential. Unbeknown to our valiant athletes a ‘Lynch Mob’ lay in wait for us. The next morning it was discovered that our golf venue was closed, Roger Sillence the Oxford match secretary was on the case, trying to arrange a new venue, Burford GC the first choice however suddenly it was changed to the golf course attached to our hotel. Plans were made and the six teammates en route were contacted and redirected, five minutes later The Wychwood had re-opened, miraculous!
Arriving at the golf course, fifteen minutes from our accommodation, we were greeted warmly by our hosts at this time with their ‘Lynching Plans’ concealed. As always, friendships and new accquaitance quickly renewed and made, a light lunch preceded the match. Lambs to slaughter laughing, joking with no idea of the catastrophic events soon to follow we jolly Devon boys faced the opposition determined to produce a result for our leaders. Brian Waggett was the first voice that echoed around the locker room, “never in the history of Devon Golf Captains have we suffered such an embarrassing defeat, whitewash, whitewash!” There was I believe the hint of a tear in one eye.
So it was, eight to nil in the home teams favour, a first? There were no excuses from the Devon boys, the course in excellent condition, despite the overnight rain, a parkland course with masses of room and excellent greens. For a course that few had even heard of, it was as previously stated Lyneham GC it deserves a thorough recommendation if you’re ever in the area. Despite our thrashing a convivial meal was enjoyed with our hosts and humour soon replaced the dull ache of defeat. After respectful and congratulatory speeches by both Captains the Devon team returned along the short distance to the overnight accommodation. Gathering in the bar, to further soften the harsh edge of humiliating defeat with local ales and several cups of Juniper Tea, talk turned toward tomorrow and the horrific weather forecast threatening thunder and lightning. Until tomorrow!
Malcolm Jordain
Final Result Devon v Oxfordshire 2018 (2)
