Midland Golf Union Limited 2024 Junior League Match Report

Worcestershire U16’s v Derbyshire U16’s

5^th May 2024

Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club

Worcestershire welcomed Derbyshire to Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club for their first U16 fixture of the season on a warm spring morning. With three players making their debut there was a mixture of excitement and nervousness as the team gathered for the pre-match meeting.

The foursome groups were led off by captain Oliver Badger and Harry Evans, a strong start from the Derbyshire opening pair saw Worcestershire soon falling 2 holes down, unfortunately on this occasion the Worcestershire pair were unable to pull the match back losing to 2&1 on the 17^th hole.  The experienced pairing of Alex Perry and Hayden Sarfo were second out, they were in full control of their match with some excellent golf being played which proved too much for their opponents with the Worcestershire pair winning 3&2.

Harry Fall and debutant Freddie Wilson went out third, with the experienced Harry offering advice to Freddie who showed no signs of nerves on his first Worcestershire appearance. Their pair worked well together to secure Worcestershire’s second foursome’s point.  The final pair of debutants, despite a good start, were unable to beat their more experienced opponents eventually losing 5&4. This left the match at 2 points each, at lunch, with the afternoon session to come.  

The singles saw Oli once again lead out the team against his Derbyshire counterpart who made a strong start taking a 3 hole lead early in the match. A battling performance saw Oli pull the match back gaining a one hole lead after 13 holes. With the Derbyshire captain winning the 17^th the first match headed down the 18^th . Oli’s excellent approach set up a birdie chance which he took to secure the point. Harry Evans was second out, who also fell behind early in the match. Having pulled the deficit back by the 9^th the match ebbed and flowed with Harry winning 17 and 18 to add to Worcestershire’s points tally.

Despite losing the first hole Alex Perry, out third, never looked like losing his match, with some excellent approach shots resulting in him winning 3&2 against another strong Derbyshire opponent.  The ever reliable and consistent Hayden Sarfo put on another solid display and secured his point, 4&2, to ensure Worcestershire could not lose the match.

Unfortunately none of the remaining boys, despite some excellent golf being played, could secure the half point needed to win the match.  With 4 of the 8 singles matches going down the 18^th a draw seems a fair result.  We wish the Derbyshire team well for the rest of the season.  

Once again, the hospitality received from staff at Churchill and Blakedown was outstanding and I would like to extend my thanks to the catering staff for looking after us so well.  The Greenkeeping staff had clearly worked hard to ensure the course was in excellent condition and provided a test to all of the players. Many members took time to come and support the juniors and this is greatly appreciated by the all the players and officials.  A special thanks to Bob Julier, Honorary Secretary at the club, for acting as starter and undertaking the role so well.  My final thanks must go to Kevin Fee (U18’s Team Manager) and Luke Perry (U14’s Team Manager) for their help and support on the day.

Mark Evans (U16’s Manager)

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