Captains Report – Match – MGU v SWCGA @ Copt Heath GC on the 19th October 2012

1. Performance Statistics of the SWCGA v The Midlands – 1984 to 2011

           Played    Won    Halved    Lost
Home      14         6         4           4
Away       14          5         0          9

2. Preparation

Preparation for the match started at the Captains Meeting at SWW 2012, where information sheets were handed to the Captains of each County. These served to outline the profile and prestige of the fixture, and were handed to the player that they nominated into the side.

Additionally there was a contact sheet that provided me with the County Captains contact details, together with the contact details of the player nominated, such that there could be easy on going contact with the team prior to the fixture.

3. Selection

The team continues to be a truly representative side with each County being represented by a minimum of 1 player, with the SWCGA Captain then selecting the other 4 members of the team together with reserves.

Just like last year this worked well with each of the Counties nominating players that warranted and deserved selection. With the success of Wiltshire in qualification for EGU Finals, as well as their past success the Captain’s picks then were made up of 2 Wiltshire players as well as respective players, who were available for the match, from Cornwall and Somerset who deserved selection based on their performance.

4. Logistics, Cost Control & Pre-Match Dinner

Booking accommodation in a local Premier Inn worked well from both a cost effective perspective, convenience and team spirit. The rooms were more than adequate as were the breakfast facilities, with the players rooming with their respective foursomes partner.

To minimise travelling costs we aimed to ensure that players either travelled together or came up with officials who were travelling to the event. Not always easy due to where people are travelling from, but the arrangements worked well on the whole.

With drinks and on course refreshments purchased before the match there was no real need for a tab in the Pro Shop, and apart from demand for pull trolleys there was little if any expenditure in the Pro Shop.

The practise round is still essential, and as well as playing with their respective foursomes partners, groups were teamed together to help each other as well as enjoy the occasion.

The pre-match dinner: this is the opportunity to present the teams and both Captains gave a thumb nail picture of each player, their County, their Club and an overview of their achievements. Presenting colours at the dinner was also done for all new caps, which is both fitting and the right place to fulfil this activity.

6. The Match

Attached to this form of words is a copy of the match result sheet which really speaks for itself.

The original team saw 2 changes with Joe Cruse - Cornwall withdrawing due to illness and Phil White – Somerset due to work commitments.  Jordan Smith, one of the reserves could not play due to his England commitments, whilst Ellis Cook – Somerset was over the moon to accept his opportunity.

With Joe only knowing he could not play on the Tuesday of the week of the match and with both reserves contacted, I was over the moon that Ali James – Wiltshire was able to play.

The course, despite the heavy rain that we have had, was presented excellently. Many other local courses were closed but Copt Heath had pulled out all the stops to ensure that this marvellous fixture was played. Indeed, on the morning of the match all greens and tees were hand cut with pins changed from the day before. Marvellous attention to detail appreciated by the players.

Both sides were represented by exceptionally talented players, ranging from Internationals to County Champions. The golf as a result was of the highest order as the weather was kind to us, limited wind and sunshine.

The morning foursomes saw us go into lunch with the narrowest of leads – 3- 2.

In the afternoon singles it looked like the Midlands were going to return to winning ways as they took 5 of the first 6 singles matches. Our tail though started to wag, and with that the excitement started to build.

With games 8 and 9 still on the course the match stood at 7 – 6 to the Midlands. Garry Slade - Wiltshire held on to his 1 up lead, paring the last 2 holes. Our hopes were in Jimmy Mullens (Devon) hands. Winning the 16th to return to all square, the match saw them peg up all square on the 18th tee as well.  Jimmy’s drive took a delightful ricochet off a tree and he eventually had a 12 foot putt to win his game and the match. Agonisingly for us it slipped past the left hand lip, which saw the match halved.

A truly great game witnessed by circa 50 people around the 18th green.

7. Summary

Thanks to Trevor Reynolds for all his work to ensure the smooth running of the event, together with the support that I have received from Ian Clark – President and Andy Rudge – Vice Captain.  It is a prestigious fixture that witnessed exceptional golf, great team spirit and camaraderie and was played in the true spirit of amateur golf.  All present concurred that the work done over recent years had added to the fixture which needs to continue such that these qualities and skills continue to thrive.

Adrian Deakins
Captain 2012

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