Most of have been familiar with my written ramblings when I organised the Saturday competitions, so it may come as a surprise to learn that our web master has asked me to provide editorial material for the newly enhanced SdM web site.
You will probably be completely disinterested to know my family have been staying with me for the last two weeks, but the relevance will unfold. With 11 house guests leaving at the weekend and Maddy away in Holland, I spent Sunday moving furniture, tidying up and doing no less than 6 enormous washes of white sheets and towels. Today at Gramacho there were 6 matches between 24 members and guests of Serra de Monchique Golf Club and I witnessed yet another enormous WHITEWASH – as the “northern” team regained the North/South trophy with a resounding 6 – 0 victory.
The inverted commas above refer to a few players from each team whose accent contradicted the side they were playing for – myself included, as I played for TEAM NICK. Although I spent my childhood in the south east, I believe I was conceived in Yorkshire where my mother lived! My friend Martin Brand also played for the North, but despite his “posh “accent he spent considerable time north of the M4 corridor as a lad, wore a cloth cap today, and did talk knowledgably about pigeon racing.
Fuller details of the individual games will follow, but after several years of being at the helm, Ray Groves handed over the reigns of the Southern team to Gary Edwards, with ex Sdm Captain Nick MacKinlay leading the Northern boys. As probably one of the least competitive mid handicap golfers on the Algarve, and new to this competition, I was promised by Nick that it would be a fun day – and was not disappointed, as win or lose, there was a really great atmosphere throughout the day, by all players.
After the game, most of us went to the Ti Teresa restaurant on the EN125, just east of Porches. Another first for me, as I had wrongly assumed it was a typical Portuguese “transport cafe” with a corrugated roof, long tables and hard benches to sit on – but was really pleasantly surprised, as it was really nice inside and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Price was 13 Euros a head for a 3 course meal, coffee and copious amounts of wine and beer for many.
As to be expected on these occasions, there were brief speeches after dinner when Gary Edwards presented the grand trophy to Nick MacKinlay. Many of the ladies had played their own game “in the west”, so after savouring the delights of a baguette and coffee, they travelled back east to join their men for a few more drinks. As far as I know they are all still there as I type this, as I had to leave by 3pm. Anyway, details as follows ~
MATCH 1
Charles Bradshaw & Gerry Davis (S) vs Mel Huxtable & Martin Brand (N)
Mel and Martin started off quite well, but Gerry and Charles pulled back to be all square after 9 holes – then Mel really got into top gear, playing the back 9 at 3 over par, so the result was a resounding 4 & 3 win for the North
MATCH 2
Steve Edwards & James Leah (S) vs Stu McGill & Malc Ealand (N)
No real drama here, as Malcolm & Stu gradually built up a commanding lead, helped by Malc’s birdy on the par five 6th. Although naturally disappointed to lose 5 & 4, I understand that Steve was relieved he had a previous appointment and would not be there at the after dinner speeches to see the South lose the trophy
MATCH 3
Dave Brennan & John Penn (S) vs Bill Goodwin & Jeff Young (N)
A real see-saw match, as Bill & Jeff were 3 up after 4 holes, then Dave & John had a remarkable recovery over the next 5 holes to be 1 up at the turn. It was all square at the 17th tee, but Jeff got a net birdie to win that hole for him & Bill, then Bill parred the 18th to seal the victory by 1 hole
MATCH 4
Chris Price & Ray Groves (S) vs George Cook & Mike Askew (N)
I only had George’s story on this match, and in his own words “we were 2 up early on, then coasted to our 5 and 4 victory”. This was the game ahead of ours, and we did witness George’s birdie 2 at the 10th, whilst we were waiting at the tee.
MATCH 5
Gary Edwards & Paul Spallin (S) vs Nick Mackinlay & Dave Tweed (N)
Despite his hangover from celebrating Gill’s birthday the night before, Gary started off with 3 straight pars – so Nick & Dave were 2 down after 2, and already thinking of finishing early and hitting the bar. However, it was a complete turn round after that, as Nick and Dave were 3 up after 9, and maintained that lead at the end, by winning 3 & 2
MATCH 6
Mick Girling & Brian Moran (S) vs Geoff Cox & John Ness (N)
This was a close match throughout, although Brian regrets giving a put to John on 6th when he thought John had taken more shots than he actually had, which cost them the hole! Mick & Brian were dormy 3, but held on to the end and just lost on the 18th by 1 hole.