The weather finally broke for our friendly against Devon at Brean in a match that was kindly sponsored by David Harris-Heffer of Initiis - Somerset’s leading telecoms provider. His generosity paid for the players post match meals as well as providing the prizes for individual performances from both Counties. This added to the enjoyment of the players on the day.

The match was played as matchplay greensomes to help the boys learn about playing as a pair and as part of a team, ready to step up to more competitive golf in the  future. Pairs went out in handicap order, and first for Somerset were Owen and Jack. They  started with a birdie on the first followed by a par on the second to establish  a 2 hole lead. Their opponents, Dylan and Archie came storming back though, and were soon ahead themselves. Owen & Jack were unable to stem the flow and Devon claimed the first point with a 5&3 win.

Henry and Nick scored Somerset’s first point in game 2 with a solid 4&2 win over Henry and Lennon. The early advantage proved too much for the Devon pair to pull back. In game 3, the honours again went to Devon as Danny & Luke proved too good on the day for Nick and Alexander.

It was at this point that the weather began to intervene. The threatened rain started to arrive, and was accompanied by the sound of thunder rolling around the Mendip Hills. Flashes of lightning could be seen in the far distance so the storm tracker in the Andrew March’s Pro Shop was consulted. The storm was slowly making its way towards us, so lightning remained a possibility. What was certain though was that the rain would arrive - and lots of it! The remaining games were nearing their conclusions, the decision was made to take the boys off the course to safety and shelter. The lightning storm passed us by but the rain was torrential.

In these games, Somerset were leading in all three. Bertie and Alec were 4 ahead over Braydon and Leo, with Ollie (making his Somerset debut), partnering Tate also had a 4 hole advantage on Henry and Cyril. In the final game, Harley and Sonny brought out the best in each other and had an advantage of 2 holes over Liam & George. The final score was agreed as a 4-2 win for Somerset.

 As previously mentioned, Initiis had provide prizes for individual performances. We had a  Stableford competition alongside the match. Leading the field for Somerset were Henry and Nick with an impressive 32 points from the 13 holes that all managed to compete before the weather intervened. Leading the way for Devon were Danny and Luke with a score of 30.

Alec was nearest the pin on the 7th hole for Somerset and Danny took the prize for Devon on the 14th.

I would like to thank Brian and the Devon team for coming up for the match. It was played in great spirit and all of the boys were a credit to themselves, their families and to Clubs and Counties. Thanks also to Chris Roach and our Coach Chris Coles for their support on the day.

 Ending the formalities after the meal, both Team Captains thanked Brean Golf Club for their hospitality, both on the course and in the Clubhouse. Thanks were also given to the Parents for their support, and to the Managers and Coaches of both Golf Unions for making the event happen. We look forward to the trip to Devon for return match next year

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