Cornwall Golf Union
Cornwall's Men in Commanding Win Over Devon
Cornwall's Men secured a resounding win over Devon at Newquay on Sunday
The Duchy team came out of the five morning foursomes with a 3.5 - 1.5 lead and then captured 8.5 of the 10 points available in the afternoon singles to run out 12 - 3 winners.
[County Captain Adam Bridgewater reports]
Cornwall took on the old enemy at a stormy but beautifully presented Newquay last weekend and I took the opportunity to bring in some of our links specialists.
The morning was dominated by heavy rain and high winds, with players struggling to hold onto their clubs and which meant pars felt like birdies.
All bar one of the five foursomes were close. Sam Crocker (Carlyon Bay) and Tiernan Wallwork (Tehidy Park) halved mainly owing to Devon holing from 50 feet on the last hole.
Jamie Greet and Kyle Fraser (both Mullion) also got a half as did local legend Jon Hancock who was partnered by West Cornwall's Matt Richards.
Then the tide turned for Cornwall, Young Alfie 'Chipstick' Chapman (St.Enodoc )and Ross Lawrance (West Cornwall) waltzed to a thumping 5&3 win in the fourth game, leaving only one match on the course. Joe Ibbs-George (Perranporth) and Kieron Dixon (St Mellion) held their collective nerve to win one up and put Cornwall 3.3 - 1.5 up at lunch.
The sun came out at lunchtime and so did the quality of Cornwall's golf. Crocker and Greet winning easily in games one and two, and both players in contention for most points in this year's Channel League. Hancock seemed doomed, four down with five to play, but Jon loves playing for his county and never gave up, taking the match down the last and earning a deserved half a point. 'Hank's' fightback rallied the entire team for what was to become an astonishing afternoon.
Wins then followed from Wallwork, Richards and Fraser. Lawrance fought gamely but lost on the last, before Chapman, Ibbs-George and Dixon then all completed the rout winning their matches.
The afternoon was won 8.5 - 1.5 and giving Cornwall victory with a match result of 12 - 3.
Bridgewater was full of praise for his side - the battle of the Tamar had finished with a glorious win which leaves our tails up as we move on to face Wiltshire in two weeks time at High Post. GC, nr Salisbury. This will be the final Channel League match of the season for the Duchy who are seeking a hitherto elusive away win.
Thanks to Charlie Phillips for the images from the day!
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