LUGS v Berkhamsted GC 15 October 2022 – Match Report

After last year’s magnificent performance, the team had lofty ambitions.  Furthermore, this was the first time we had fielded a team of 12 – six of the old timers and six more youthful golfers. However, before arriving at Berkhamsted we were dealt a blow; at 8.30pm on the night before the match, 12 had become 11 –  GCHQ are on the case – the drains are being lifted and messages intercepted…….

Our morale took a further dip with the sight of Lavelle in navy blue strides; where were his statement trousers? Fortunately all was not lost;  he explained that he had done wards round before pitching up at Berkhamsted and would be reverting to type on the course.  That and the sight of an appropriate amount of port and brandy to accompany breakfast lightened the mood. Berkhamsted were also kind enough to lend us Peter Hadden to balance the sides.  Peter had played in the fixture many times and is excellent company as well as being a solid trencherman.

It was a perfect autumnal day for golf with a slight breeze and bright sunshine.  The course was, as ever, in superb condition with fast running fairways and smooth very well paced greens.  Sadly, LUGS didn’t manage to take advantage of the conditions and slid to a 4.5 – 1.5 defeat – one match finishing out in the country but the other 5 all reaching, at least, the 17th. Again, an immensely enjoyable match.

It was good to introduce Leo & Henry (the self styled ‘dream team’) and Thomas to the fixture for the first time.  We know that the future of the Society depends on fielding teams from multiple generations of Purples and the match at Berkhamsted will serve as a template for future fixtures.  Again, we are very grateful to Berkhamsted for hosting us so well.

Results (with LUGS names first)

Leo Faganelli and Henry Scott lost 2 down to Craig McPhail and Colin

Macbeth

Andrew Westmore and Peter Hadden won 1 up against Andrew Clarke and David Highfield

Mike Edwards and Andrew Cole lost 2/1 to Sam Deering and Ian Dickins

John Magnin and Kaihan Mobed lost 6/5 to Stuart Riches and Ken Swatman

Jonathon Lavelle and Thomas Dvorak halved with Ernest Wade and Bob James

Ed Williams and Mark Wheelhouse lost 2 down to Alastair Buck and Terry Dukes