The curtain finally came down on the Worcestershire County Junior golf season with a match against the U14 Midland Champions Shropshire and Herefordshire at Bromsgrove G.C which was an opportunity for our players to show the extent of their development since their winter coaching started with Simon Gabbitas in November 2021. 

The first 2 matches were very evenly matched as they all played off similar handicaps which is rather unusual in U14 games. The first pair of Harry Evans and Ollie Badger had several opportunities to forge ahead but some defiant play by the S&H pair meant that the score remained evenly balanced. However, the Worcestershire pair won 2 of the final 3 holes to win 1 up in what was an excellent contest. The pairing of Hayden Sarfo and Alex Perry were also involved in a close contest but despite some good play were always playing catch - up over the final 9 holes and eventually lost on the 16th hole. There was an excellent performance by Noah Wilson and Harry Fall, who were conceding over 10 shots to one of their opponents, when they had to recover from once having a 4 up advantage to being pulled back to all square. It was an example of their development that the Worcestershire pair finished strongly to complete a 3&2 victory. Our other partnerships of Euan Choi / Max Wesley and Beau Langford / Harry Jones found it more challenging to overcome the number of shots they were giving away and despite showing a fighting spirit were both beaten 2&1 which meant that S&H were victorious by a score of 3 matches to 2.   

At this age group with individual handicaps playing a significant role in the potential outcome, we have always tried to stress that even though it's nice to win, it's really more about the process than the outcome and to stress how much they have improved their all around game in preparation for representing the older age groups where handicaps are not taken into account. 

Of course it's not just the team that played in this match who should be congratulated. There have been 16 players who have represented the U14 team this season: 4 of those have played for the U16 team and 1 player Harry Evans, who has been exemplary as captain of the U14's, was selected to play for the U18's at Derbyshire. Overall the team finished the season with a winning record of 3 wins and 2 losses but have shown steady progress throughout the season so we thank all those players who represented the team both for their enthusiasm, conduct and attitude both on and off the golf course. 

Final Score: Worcestershire 2  S&H 3

The positive family support has been outstanding throughout the season and is always appreciated by the players and officials in equal measures.

Our thanks go to Bromsgrove Golf Club manager Mark Laing and to the starter Alan Guise for their support, and to the green staff and catering team for making it an enjoyable day for everyone. Also our gratitude goes to John Whitehead, Stuart and Debbie Pritchard for encouraging the boys during the day and to Kevin Fee who has offered excellent assistance throughout the year at all levels. 

Finally, my personal thanks must go to Mark Hewlett whose enthusiasm, patience, dedication and commitment as a volunteer not only for the U14's but to all the junior age groups has been unprecedented.

Roger Martin (team manager)

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