Dale Marson and James Smith were always in control of their game before winning on the 17th. Louis Meryon and Richard Oddy went down 2&1 after some erratic play and behind them the news wasn?t great either. Dave Westwood and Karl Smith were one down with six to play and Ian Stranks and Tony Gascoigne were two down with five to play. However, just as the morning foursomes looked like ending in a stalemate, Warwickshire produced some superb play to win both matches.

However, twelve months previously Staffs had led by the same morning score at Robin Hood only to fall victim to a Warks surge to an 8-7 win so we could afford no complacency.

The lunchtime instruction was to keep the foot on the gas going into the singles and they did us proud.

Rob, Fred and James all won on the 17th before Dale registered an unlucky half after his opponent birdied the last.

Louis, playing at five produced some uncharacteristic fairways and greens golf to beat his opponent 6&4 whilst Dave produced more short game wizardry to take his game on the 17th before Karl beat the Staffs matchplay champion on the last.

We were unlucky to lose both of the last two games on the 18th but the resulting 10-5 scoreline sets us up nicely for the season ahead.

On paper both the firsts and seconds weren't at full strength but team spirit is fantastic and with lots of players wishing to be involved we can always call on quality players to fill the gaps should more seasoned regulars not be available.

Thanks to John Duncombe and John Stubbings for their support on the day.

Our next match is at home against Notts at Robin Hood on the 1st August. Your support would be very welcome and you are sure to see some top quality golf