Seniors MGU v Shropshire & Herefordshire friendly

4th June 2025 at Market Drayton GC

We had an excellent day at Market Drayton, the setting was beautiful, set amongst mature woodlands in the stunning Shropshire countryside.  The course was in immaculate condition and we were royally looked after by the very friendly catering and bar staff, who supplied us with excellent food all day.

It was a very windy day, which, added to the quirkiness of the course, set quite a challenge for the day.  Added to this was the late arrival of one of our team, due to road closures on the A41 and his inability to find an alternative route from only 11 miles away!  However he perceived and eventually arrived in time to tee off with his partner Dennis Mathers in last spot, some 1 hour & 40 minutes after his original arrival time of 9.00am.  I want to spare his blushes, so won't mention his name.  (Plays at County initials RJ).

So onto the golf.  I think it’s fair to say that after 2 hours in the car, nearly 4 hours for one of our number, we struggled a bit in the morning, but Alastair and debutant John Thorpe and Rob and Jay, managed to bring home wins, so we lost the Greensomes by 4-2, which with our record isn’t too bad.

So on to the afternoon, enough said about myself and Rob Clark, who had our pants removed and shredded, both in the morning and the afternoon, I can only think that the burden of captaincy laid a bit too heavy on my head!  However, after that there was some epic battles, with 3 wins from Andy & Alan (1up), Rob & Jay (2&1) and Graham & Jim (3&1), so we were all square with one to go.  This match was the game with their captain and Dennis and one Richard Jackson (AKA RJ), this match went to the last hole, where we managed to hang onto a slim lead to win it 1 up!!

So the final match result was 10-8 to us.

I would like to finally give a special mention to Jay and Rob, who managed to take all 3 points and to debutant John Thorpe, who not only took a point, but also came on his 21st wedding anniversary and the day his 18yo daughter returned from travelling and when he was going on a golf trip with mates at 8.00am the following morning.  I hope he got home safe and sound and that he still has a home to go home to when he returns from his trip away!!

It was a great day, with a great result played in the spirit that these friendlies always are..... Ultra competitive!!