Cryer wins Trials for 2005.

David Morgan - Sunday, 10 April, 2005

Sporting a distinct sun tan from trips away with England’s elite, it was a solid 69 gross for 37 pionts that saw Matt Cryer take the 2005 Men’s Trials. There were other familiar faces in the top 10 of an event which is where many players have first come to the attention of the County Captain and the 2nds Captain, for selection to the teams which have been successful in the past few seasons, a winning formula that President Jim Dean remarked on in his presentation speech the County would very much like to continue.

There were also some new additions to those who can be considered for squads. Nick Hexley (Robin Hood) managed a very respectable score, as did Tom Bailey who had 19 points on his back nine to take 3rd place.

Rob Browning, preparing for the McEvoy this week, had a few bogies on the outward nine but parred back in for 34. Two shots (and points) worse were Ben Groutage, another McEvoy participant Dale Marson and Handsworth member Karl Smith who finished birdie, bogey birdie, birdie for his 32 points. His fellow Handsworth member Dave Westwood took 4th place by birdying the last for 35. It would be one of two award for Westwood – more later.

Anthony Gascoigne was three over after four holes only to play the next 14 in -1 for 33. James Crompton (34 points) played his round the other way round, starting with an eagle two courtesy of a holed wedge at the first. Rob Steele, past Warwickshire Amateur Champion round Handsworth in 2003, stood on the 18th tee with 34 points. Rob would not add to that score as he lost his tee shot on a par five he would have expected to birdie then took 6 more with his second ball.

Simon Haines (Copt Heath) was Cryer’s nearest challenger. Having started 33 (two birdies), Haines eventually birdied the 18th to come home in 21 points for the best back nine of the 35s, to take 2nd place.

There were three presentations of County Colours, with the award of County Blazers. These are given to players who play and win a minimum number of matches for the 1sts and the 2nds Teams, with more matches required by Second team players. Roger Jones received his blazer for his contribution to the Seconds. The two players who have been part of the 1sts who were also given colours were Dave Westwood and Andy Colley.

For Matt, it was a very solid round from tee to green, managing figures of greens in regulation of 16 from 18. There were only two birdies and one bogey, a three putt.

‘The only mistakes I made, which my stats say I do when I do miss, is to go long. Matt was more than happy though with his first competitive round in the County Championships for 2005 as he seeks to defend his three titles and perhaps win the Warwickshire Open.

Full results will be sent out to all player’s clubs and displayed on this site but for those who need immediate handicap adjustments, the CSS on the day was 72.

Other news was of Stratford-on-Avon reaching the final of the Warwickshire Cup, beating Walmley away at the Birmingham course by 2 matches to 1.

Thanks were given to Handsworth for giving up their course for the Trials, to the greenkeep and his staff for preparation of an excellent test of golf, and especially to member Val Mason who ran the computer scoring for the Trials throughout the day.

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