2nd team v Lincolnshire

Northamptonshire welcomed Lincolnshire to Cold Ashby for the 4th match of the Anglian league season. Spirits were high as the weather looked to interrupt the match. Cold Ashby was set up superbly and in the best condition I have seen it for a few years, credit to the work carried out by the small team.  Lincolnshire brought the big hitters with them, watching long drive after long drive sail down the first, was this tactic going to pay dividends?

Morning Foursomes 2-2.

Fraser Carnihan and Alec Francis lead the way for Northamptonshire up against James Hodgson and Josh Payne. Fraser back on home soil, paired with Alec’s aggressive (but very good) putting were in a tight match all round but managed to edge the match on the last to win 1up.

Jack Brown and Andy Saunders were next in line to take on Dan Smth and Rob Reid. Postman Andy can make any partnership work, the perfect blend of big drives from Andy complimented the short game wizardry of Mr Brown.  The Northamptonshire duo cruised to an under par round and comfortable 5&3 win.

Kai Raymond  and Ryan Statham took on Andy Lowth and Richard Dexter. The young(er) guns of Northamptonshire started off strongly, taking an early lead however, they were not able to hold onto the strong start as the Lincolnshire pair fought back to win. 4&3 loss.

Ben Hawkins and Ollie Penberthy were anchoring the back to take on Craig Toyne and Leo Brown. Craig was fresh off a 2nd place finish in the Gogs Trophy and was coaching the big hitter Leo round fabulously, as they birdied 4 in a row from the 8th to take a commanding lead. Par golf from the Northamptonshire pair wasn’t good enough as the match finished in a 4&3 Loss.

Time for lunch, with plenty of carbs available from the kitchen, we were ready to go again in the afternoon.

Afternoon Singles 3.5 – 4.5

Fraser Carnihan led the way once again against James Hodgson. Fraser needed to pull on all of his experience and local knowledge in this match to get something. Birdies on 13, 14, 17 and a great up and down birdie on 18 saw the spoils shared and the game finish A/S.

Alec Francis was looking to continue momentum into the singles against Josh Payne. However, Josh was in good form being 3 under through 16. A fight back from Alec on the back nine with birdies on 13 and 14 wasn’t enough as the match ended 2&1 Loss.

Jack Brown took on Dan Smith. Following an interesting tee shot on the first, Bownie found his rhythm again and reminded himself why he plays county golf. Game mode. Dan didn’t stand a chance against Jack’s putting, 3&2 Win.

Andy Saunders against Rob Reid. Andy looking to continue his impressive 100% record since coming into the team this year, fell short against a strong Rob. 2&1 Loss.

Kai Raymond taking on Andy Lowth. Kai being fresh off his course record at PMGC (-6!!!) was looking to continue is good golf, however, today it wasn’t meant to be as he was pipped on the last. 1dn loss.

Ollie Penberthy making his county men’s debut, had the bit inbetween his teeth as he took on Richard Dexter. A tight affair all game, with the match never having more than one hole in it. Ollie remained patient as he was 1dn at the turn (only having 11 putts!!!) playing the last 8 holes in -2, he came up as the winner 2&1 win. Congratulations on the debut and point young man! 

Ryan Statham was the penultimate player taking on big hitter Leo Brown. Leo took the lead early on, but Ryan was not prepared to let a strong start get in the way of his point. With birdies on 13 and 14, Ryan was in the drivers seat. An up and down on 16 (one Seve would have been proud of) from the cabbage saw Ryan come out as winner 4&2 Win.

Ben Hawkins (myself) was out last, against an inform Craig Toyne. A mix of good and bad over the front nine saw myself 2 down at the turn. Sunday’s best was going to be needed to take down Craig. Let’s call it “interesting” golf happened between us on 15 with 2 balls OB and a half in double.  Craig wins 16 to go dormie 2up. Another lost ball on 17 takes us to 1dn playing the last. 2 wayward drives with the width of Cold Ashby between them saw the game conceded to Craig. 2dn Loss. Not the captains performance we were looking for.

Lincolnshire take the spoils 6.5-5.5. so close. 

From my view, I’m extremely proud of the boys for pulling together and showing the team spirit building and building. Onto Suffolk and Diss GC. 

Special mention to Jack Brown for returning maximum points.

Special thanks to: Matt Landers for being on media duty all afternoon (and credit to your greenkeeping team). Also, thanks to Sam Bird, Sam Gilkes, Ross Garlick, Annalea and Dave Hawkins for giving up there Sunday afternoon to support, greatly appreciated. And to Botty for sitting on the buggy all afternoon!

Ben Hawkins 2nd team captain