Captain’s Newsletter – June
This has been a very busy month for matches for the LSGC.
Starting with the ones I could not attend (by reason of a wedding and a clash of dates respectively), we played internationals against the Jersey Bar (in Jersey) and the Northern Irish Solicitors (at Ganton). Despite a couple of defeats, I understand both fixtures were as enjoyable as ever, the only hiccup being a last minute cancelled flight from Belfast causing our visitors unfortunately to miss the first afternoon’s play.
I am afraid to report we were also defeated in both of the one day matches – the Triangular at Frilford and the MCC at New Zealand. We were announced as last at Frilford but I preferred second runners-up! Still, lovely company with colleagues and opponents alike (and of course a particularly delicious carvery lunch at New Zealand as always).
Returning to the internationals, it is wonderful that we are able to play these once again after the unfortunate hiatus caused by Covid, a view undoubtedly shared by all those taking part. Our friends from Holland had a relatively comfortable drive to Deal but there was a longer time on the road to Trevose for our friends from Belgium. We were lucky enough to have very decent weather for both and huge thanks go to Peter Read and Philip Heyes for so wonderfully organising the social side of the two matches. I am delighted to say that we regained the trophy from the Dutch after five consecutive Dutch victories. The Brussels Bar match was closely contested to the end with the match ultimately halved – although that did mean the trophy was retained by the Belgians, to the very obvious delight of Louis Philippe which was lovely to see.
So in summary, possibly more successful off the course than on, but that is perhaps no bad thing! It’s been a real pleasure for me to meet a number of members in person for the first time as well as catching up with old friends. Onwards and upwards into July!
A Jersey Win
