U18's WIN THE WEST MIDLAND LEAGUE

In their final league match of the season, the U18's knew that victory would secure the league title for 2022. However, the same could be said for the Staffordshire team so in effect it had the feel of a competition final rather than a league fixture. 

The match was held at Penn G.C. in warm, humid conditions and it was important to adjust to the golf course as quickly as possible. The morning foursomes are always important and if successful can give the team both confidence and a 'buffer' in case the singles prove problematic. The boys did a great job with a majority of our pairing establishing early leads which they were able to maintain throughout the morning. There were wins for James Ilsley & James Humphries (3&1), Cassius Blake & Philip Krone (3&1), Dan Wakeman & Tom Griffiths (2&1) and Tom Lennon & Tom Griffiths (7&6) and so Worcestershire took a 4-1 lead into the afternoon singles.

Needing 4 points from the 10 matches, our top order found the going tough due to some determined play by Staffordshire. Of the top 5 matches only James Humphries secured victory in a high quality match where James had 10 birdies and eventually won 3&2 and so it was down to our lower order players to get us over the line which they had done successfully in previous matches. In the remaining contests we had established big leads in 2 games which resulted in victories for Dan Wakeman ((8&7) and Tom Lennon (7&5) and therefore the team needed to find at least 1 more point from the remaining 3 matches but they were all very close entering the last few holes. Step up Elliot Jones and George Stephens! Both showed great character in holding their nerve and fending off the challenge of their opponents and both managed to secure victories on the 17th green which meant that we had shared the points in the afternoon singles, 5-5 and won the match by 9 points to 6. Fantastic.

The outcome was that Worcestershie, under the captaincy of Philip Krone, won the West Midland league and now go forward to play the winners of the East Midland league in the Midland Final later in the season.

Congratulations must go to all players who have represented the U18 team this year. It has been an excellent effort by every player and they fully deserve their league victory.

Our appreciation goes to the Staffordshire team and officials, to Penn G.C. for the preparation of the course and their hospitality which was first class. Thanks to Mark Hewlett, Kevin Fee and to all the family support throughout the day and indeed the season.

Roger Martin 

Final Score  Staffordshire 6    Worcestershire 9  

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