CAPTAIN’S FINAL REPORT

Good news and bad news! We have started playing matches again but we also had the clocks moving forward to herald the start of Spring and a new season of matches for the LSGC. The major bad news (for me personally anyway) is that, given our own calendar of fixtures, these are the last matches to be played during my Captaincy.

I have had a wonderful year representing the Club as best as I can and meeting up with lots of members at our various fixtures, and the good companionship of our opponents. It has been a real honour and privilege to have been Captain, for which I am truly grateful.

As to the matches, the first was against the Circuit Judges (yes, your honour, your honour) played at the wonderful New Zealand Club. We were fortunate enough to have a lovely day weather wise. Arguably the highlight at New Zealand GC is always the splendid carvery lunch which was much enjoyed (to the extent that a number of our opponents decided in advance not to play in the afternoon foursomes). There were however, two rounds of golf played (not quite over 18 holes in the afternoon!) and the result was a halved match.

Next up was our annual fixture with the Bench and Bar at Huntercombe GC. Again, an excellent carvery lunch divided two rounds of foursomes. I’m delighted to say we ran out winners by one point so ending my season of matches on a high note.

In keeping with my experiences throughout the year, both matches were played in a wonderful and convivial spirit to the credit of all involved.

I now very much look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Spring Meeting at Lytham.

Bernard Hodgson, LSGC Captain 2022-23.

BENCH & BAR MATCH

HUNTERCOMBE GC

On Sunday 26th of March, a day when the weather forecast had not been favourable, we actually enjoyed mainly dry but cold conditions. Despite initial confusion as to the team (particular apologies to Robert Ackroyd who was left out) we assembled at Huntercombe. If you have not been to this course, it is in South Oxfordshire and a very pretty and challenging venue. It has an association with a former Wimbledon champion (revealed later).

The morning foursomes ended with a 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 lead to the Bench and Bar. However, in the afternoon the team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Everyone got on the score sheet so it was a particularly strong team effort by the happy few. Particular mention goes to Colum Murray who bagged two victories with his partners and a special mention goes to “Captain Marvel” Bernard Hodgson who confirmed my faith in him by bringing home a point on his own when Nick MacLeish was too ill to play in the afternoon (Hope you’re well now Nick).

Sadly the Bench and Bar, either because they were overly confident or, more likely because the forgot, did not bring the Trophy. The only photograph is of me (match manager) and Bernard Hodgson trying not to look too smug.

The answer to the Wimbledon link is that Boris Becker completed his sentence at nearby HMP Huntercombe.

Philip Rowlands