U18s Beaten in Dorset

[U18 Manager Dave Drewett reports]

The final fixture in this year’s Greenaway League would be at Yeovil Golf Club. A convincing win for the hosts, Dorset Under 18’s, and they would be crowned this season’s Champions. Cornwall could avoid the wooden spoon with a win so all was to play for.

A much-depleted Cornwall side because of commitments and injuries would have to perform to their maximum ability to grind out a result against the Dorset boys who were fielding no less than 7 full Men's first team players.

Preparations were further hampered with another injury to Captain Harry Drewett during the practice round on the eve of the match, meaning disappointingly he would be unable to compete in his final game for the U18’s. To the rescue- Tristan Woolcock of West Cornwall who would instantly make himself available to travel up to Yeovil GC in the early hours.  He is such a great lad and I was extremely grateful for his participation.

Generally, the rest of the practice round went well and the course was well presented having recently held the South of England Boys Championships. It’s a tight parkland course with some quirky holes that required fairways to be hit but with some holes offering risk/rewards it looked like being a perfect course for match play and the boys were relishing getting down to business the next day.

After a good night sleep in a nearby inn the boys set off to the club where they met with Tristan who had embarked on his trip with dad at 4.00am. The weather for the day was set fine and the course looked great.

I decided to go out strong in the foursomes and put our lowest and most successful pairing’s out first.

Tommy Miller and Harry Willmott would lead off, their pairing developing into a formidable partnership, but unfortunately on this occasion they never got going and eventually lost to the very strong Dorset foursome 7/5.

The second pairing of Heath Coombes and Archie Haynes would fair much better and they produced some fine golf to beat Dorset 3/2

The third foursome pair of Kai Dingle and Tiernan Wallwork were unlucky to lose 1 down. Having played some superb golf all the way, a poor shot at the wrong time on the 17th would cost them dearly and they would lose 1 down.

Freddie Kirkland and Jay Dingle would on paper have no chance against their opponents effectively conceding more than a dozen shots off scratch. Matchplay’s not played on paper, however, and they would produce a brilliant display to edge their game out winning on the last 1up.

It was always going to be a tall ask for Tristan and Kian playing in the anchor leg. Both boys battled but could not prevail against the Dorset boys losing the game 9/7. The Dorset pair were both members at Yeovil and Tristan was of course playing blind having only travelled that morning. If I’m honest 3 points to 2 in the foursomes was fair and I was happy to take that into the afternoon singles.

Some fine sandwiches, chips and a 45 minute break suitably refreshed the boys for the afternoon singles.

First off would-be Tommy against Jenson Bull of Dorset and like Harry Drewett, Jenson was also in his final game for the U18’s after which he would embark on his quest to gain a European Tour Card. Both being big hitters they would make mincemeat of the short par 4 first and would have a tight game which would eventually go in favour of Dorset with them shaking hands on the 17th.

The next 3 games would all go Dorset’s way with Heath losing to the SW4 Counties Champion Dominic Harrington 3/1, Kai losing on the last to Ben White who would finish a magnificent 8 under gross for his round. What a way to finish your last competitive game for the U18’s Kai! Harry Willmott was down early and despite playing some good stuff could only match his opponent Ethan Lawrence from there on in losing 5/4.

Tiernan made amends brilliantly for the mornings defeat and recorded a 2up win against Ollie Tolman. Next Archie Haynes lost by the one hole to Evan Goulding. Wallwork's compatriot from Tehidy GC Freddie Kirkland ground out an admirable half in the following game against Max Dunn. Fred has really developed as a player, consolidated his position in the team this year and will be a valuable asset for next year’s Under 18’s.

Tristan and Kian would find the going tough against their opponents, they both would play some good golf but unfortunately the opposition (Rhys Cartwright-Terry & Archie Tolman) was stronger on this occasion.  Both can hold their heads high and this experience will be so valuable to them. Tristan losing 5/4 and Kian 7/5.

In the final game Jay Dingle would obtain a half and remain undefeated for the day. He will be an integral part of the team moving forward over the next few years.

I am naturally disappointed that we didn’t perform better in the league this year. It’s down to many factors but predominantly not having the best 10 boys available every time severely hampered our results. It’s been an absolute joy managing the boys at U16 and U18 and it’s not been without success. This group are largely the same boys that successfully won the Ben Enoch and Greenaway leagues in 2022.

The time has produced so many great memories, so many laughs, so much drama throughout my time as manager. This impeccable squad of boys are a credit to club, county, their parents and have made me proud to be their manager. Special thanks to the parents who have be so supportive of the boys and me throughout this time. As I bow out as manager am I going to miss it?  Yes.

Matchsheet

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