The whole team was shell shocked to say the least and a a short team talk followed a very tiring day. All I could ask is that we came out fighting for the next two days to restore pride in the team.

Day two that is exactly what this team did, against another experienced and extremely strong team in Surrey.

The result perhaps does not show the true picture but I could not have asked for more fight and many of the matches went to the last hole or two - still only gaining two & a half points but the spirit in the camp was one of a positive nature and we at least gave the opposition a fight.

The team now believed they could compete with the best counties in the country, counties that field many England players and professional golfers of the future.

Our third days opponents were Lancashire again a large and strong county (obviously as with ourselves anyone who can qualify for the finals are good).

This was the match we all thought we could win, as a team we were now comfortable being at the finals and the morning session left us trailing 2-1.

My first two singles for the afternoon soon gave us the advantage when Jamie Carney won his hard fought match 1up (this gave Jamie 4 out of 5 points for the week) & Rob Browning played inspiring golf winning 5&3

These two points took us 3-2 in front, this was reversed when Sam Dodds lost out on 17 when his opponent made and unbelievable up and down for three to win Lancs the point. This was followed by Tom Ibbertson who gave a great fight but fell short losing out 3&2.

We now had a fight on our hands but the two remaining matches looked pretty good as Chris Dougill & anchor man Fred Jewsbury had a slight advantage.

Firstly Chris, one up with two to play, looked likely to get the win until his man again pulled out an amazing up and down on 17 to half the whole and take the match to 18, where unfortunately Chris lost his ball in one of the many gorse bushes and had to settle for the half - Chris did say it was a fair result over the days play.

Fred found himself 1one down playing 18, and following an excellent par Fred won the whole to half the match.

This meant we finished the day with us narrowly missing out on our first win when Lancs ended up winning 5-4.

I spoke with the team following the close of play and said that we can all learn from this to make us better golfers ready for next year - I as captain can learn from mistakes I made and I will become better for it.

The players know what is needed to improve so as to compete and win in future, and in particular next year when the finals are held at Beau Desert.

Thank you to all my team. You showed great passion and determination this week it is a pleasure and honour to be your captain

This week would not have been the same had it not been for the caddies who added to the occasion giving support to all of the players, my thanks go to Chris Leonard, Simon Franklin, Neil Thomas, Ryan Wallace, Karl Smith, Mike Meakin and last but not least Alf Kelle a great caddie and even better cook.

I must also mention Elliott Forbes - what a success Elliot was as 'captain on the day', racing everywhere in his buggy with ear piece and radio in place offering advice, looking for stray balls in the middle of the gorse bushes, shaking our President around with his erratic driving - thanks Elliott for all your help throughout the week

I have to thank the our travelling supporters for the encouragement throughout the week. As a player myself I know how important it is to look up and see our own county supporting us, it does make you try that bit harder, so thank you John, John, John, John, John oh & John also to everyone else there urging us on ...

Finally I have to say a big thank you from all the team to Matt Nixon and the County who have given us their full backing making sure we had everything we needed from good accommodation to kit. This was very much appreciated and we hope we have gone some way to make you proud of the team and we are now more determined than ever to bring further success to the county.

For full match scores & results you can find these on the EGU web site HERE

For a picture gallery CLICK HERE