Reigning Boys County Champions Devon secured a one point win over the Cornwall U18s yesterday at The Point at Polzeath. In the annual pre-season encounter, played as a scratch stableford in teams of 12 with the best 10 scores to count, our neighbours finished on 266 to our 265!

This would have been an easy match to call off based on recent and forecast weather conditions and with strong winds and heavy rain prevailing a delayed start ensued. With neither county wishing to call things off things got going. Once underway the conditions were horrid for the early starters but within an hour the rain disappeared and was replaced by sunshine for the duration. The wind remained strong and playing conditions were tough although the course was presented in good condition allowing for what Mother Nature has deposited on us of late.Given the challenging weather some of the scores were impressive the consensus view being that anything of 30 points and above would be good for the conditions.

In the end some very good scores were returned with the Duchy’s Cameron Gurd (Perranporth) the day’s leading light on 36 scratch points. Devon’s Matt Millar and Eliot Baker returned 32 points each to be their counties lead scorers. For Cornwall Josh Chapman (Tehidy Park) and Will Hardwick (Perranporth) also made good scores with 31 and 30 scratch points respectively. Charlie Ward (Launceston) playing off 7 returned 26 scratch points.

With all 12 scores totalled the two Counties were tied on 306 but removal of the two ‘worst’ scores just favoured Devon.This will have left many ruing the putts and other shots they left out on the course; a thought to take forward and learn from! Nevertheless Well Done Devon!

For handicap purposes the event was a Qualifier with the CSS as 74. Qualifying scores can be viewed here.

Scratch Stableford Scores appear below.

The two teams dined together after the match and a massive vote of thanks was expressed to the host club for their advance arrangements, the warm welcome extended and their hospitality across the day.

The matches with Devon are always played in good spirit and yesterday was no exception. Under the watchful eye of PGA Professional Gary Milne they will continue to be  a strong side and we wish them well for the upcoming season.