The Channel League went right to the wire in 2017! At the start of play, Glamorgan were at the top of the table with 4 match points and an impressive 52½ game points. Devon and Somerset were each 1 match point behind, and a big win from either County would have meant that Glamorgan could be overhauled.

It was Devon who had the better of the morning foursomes, and they took a narrow 3-2 lead into the lunch interval. Josh Hilleard & Johnny Grace won their game, whilst Will Poole and Matt Turner got a half in theirs. Two Sams this time! Fernley and Sloman were denied a win when the Devon pair holed for a birdie on 18 for a half, before Devon took the last two games comfortably.

Team Somerset knew exactly what was required in the afternoon singles. If they were to win, they needed a further 7½ game points to take the title based upon the result of our match with Glamorgan. 8 points would mean we would win it outright, anything less and the dream would be over for another year!

The team came out fighting again! Will Poole got our first point when his opponent conceded the game, then Josh Hilleard and Matt Turner followed suit to put Somerset on the way. Johnny Grace came up against an opponent playing inspired golf before the two Sams restored our momentum by winning their games. Devon rallied as the in form Adam Bridgwater took the game away from Ollie Worts, but Somerset were not to be denied. Alex Winn put us back on track with a 4&3 victory, followed by the same result from Andy Ferris to take us to the point of glory.

The last game out on the course was our inspirational Captain, Justin Lane, and there could not have been a better scriptwriter at work that day!! Justin won his game 2&1 to clinch a 10-5 victory and put clear water between us and Glamorgan at the top of the table.

Glamorgan were the first to congratulate Team Somerset on their win as they replied to the "tweet" on our Twitter page - a very fine example of the sportsmanship that exists in our game and the Channel League.

The=is finished off what must rank as one of the most momentous seasons for the Somerset Golf Union. South West Stroke and Matchplay winners and champions of the Channel League. Congratulations the the Captain, Coach and all the players who contributed to such a wonderful year!

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