| Date: | 31st August 2008 |
| Venue: | R.Ashdown Forest GC |
Match v Old Carthusian GS at R. Ashdown Forest on Sunday 31st August
The Charterhouse and Tonbridge teams assembled at Ashdown on an dreadful morning which the forecasters had predicted would then deteriorate rapidly. Before the start there were those who wanted the match to be cut to (a maximum of) one round and, though we agreed to review the position at lunch, it seemed that most of those present were reluctant to risk getting wet for a second time. We are obviously all getting soft!
The morning was somewhat difficult and with both sides suffering late drop-outs (and the probability of only one round of golf being likely) we varied the usual foursomes format and played seven singles matches. The Charterhouse captain beat the Hon. Secretary in a good game to give us a poor start. The fact that Roddy Gamble holed putts from everywhere was a serious disappointment to his opponent who might have had the better of the game in all other departments - but as ever it's all about how many, not how. Adrian Cooper quickly accounted for Peter Goodliffe to redress the early imbalance but then in quick succession came three defeats. Colin Vokins, the Society Captain, lost his game, Richard Dresner lost to an opponent who by all accounts started brilliantly - and though Joe Parkin came very close to beating local hotshot Ben Schaafsma he succumbed at the 18th after a very good game. James Thomlinson then completed a poor day for the Goodliffes (every cloud has a silver lining!) by beating Will Goodliffe and finally David Golding-Wood and Mike Boswell halved at the back. It was good fun but awfully wet.
Once the decision had been made to abandon the match at lunch (thus losing the match by 4 1/2 to 2 1/2) the weather started to clear appreciably! Four Tonbridgians went out to play a dozen or so holes (to shake off the stupour which might follow a very good lunch). They started in a very light drizzle which quickly cleared and the rest of the afternoon was lovely. Historically we have tended to trail the Carthusians at lunch before making a big fightback in the afternoon and taking the spoils. On this occasion our "dry-weather only" golfer mentality prevailed and any chance of the usual reversal was denied which rather disappointed some of those present.
However the lunch was a jolly affair, the company was, as ever, great - and it was really bad luck to see the weather spoil such a good fixture. Better luck next year!
Scores (where reported) :
Tony Monteuuis lost to Roddy Gamble 2/1
Adrian Cooper beat Peter Goodliffe
Colin Vokins lost to Edward Hyde
Richard Dresner lost to Robert Plowman
Joe Parkin lost to Ben Schaafsma 1 up
James Thomlinson beat Will Goodliffe
David Golding-Wood halved with Mike Boswell