In their first match of the season, the U16's faced a tough challenge in their annual friendly against Gloucestershire at Churchill and Blakedown GC. 

The day started on a very wet note, and both teams turned up not knowing what to expect from the course, however, the club pro assured us the course would be fine, and indeed it was, great condition considering the rain we have had over the last couple of weeks.

The morning foursomes was hard fought with Worcs opening pair of Harry Evans and Oliver Badger taking on a strong Gloucs pair. Worcs most experienced pair of Teddy Fee and George Stephens showed all their experience and did not panic in coming back from 4 down through 7 to half their match. The performance of the morning came from Hayden Sarfo and Alex Perry who comfortably despatched their opponents 4&3 with some excellent golf. There was also a good half for Callum Jones and Euan Choi, who was making his u16s debut.

With Gloucs leading the morning foursomes 3-2 Worcs knew they needed a fast start in the afternoon singles, which they duly got, George Stephens 2 down with 2 to play battled hard and won 17 and 18 to halve a high quality match. Hayden continued where he left off in the morning and produced an impressive 4&3 victory. Harry Evans was inspired around the turn winning 6 straight holes to also win 4&3. Alex Perry continued the strong Worcs middle order with a 4&2 victory, this left a tense finish with Worcs needing to win both the final matches to secure a draw. Harry Fall on debut was always in control of his match and closed it out on 17 with a 2&1 win, which meant it all went down to the final game. Callum Jones was 2 down with 4 to play, and with his positive attitude won the 15th and 16th and with a half on 17 it was all down to the last hole. With all of the players and officials from both teams stood around the 18th green Callum duly holed a 3-foot par putt to win the hole and his match giving Worcs a well-earned draw. 

A great opening start to the season, well done to all the players as the conditions were not easy especially in the cold wind early on. 

Thanks to all the parents who supported the team. My thanks also go to Luke Perry and Mark Evans for their valuable contribution and support throughout the day, and especially to Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club for being fabulous hosts and in particular the catering staff for keeping us fed throughout the day as well as to the Greenkeepers for producing a course in such good condition at this time of year.

Final score - Worcestershire 7.5   Gloucestershire 7.5

Kevin Fee - U16's team manager

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