Louis Meryon and Richard Oddy struggled to get the ball in the hole on the diseased greens and after 3 birdies in four holes from the opposition on the back nine succumbed to a 3&2 loss. Chris Dougill joined Jack Sant to win a point for the bears after some impressive ball striking but Ian Stranks and Gareth Jenkins couldn't find a way past their young opposition so the score at lunch was 3-2 in favour of the home side.

Historically foursomes has never particularly been our forte even though improved performances in this department last year helped us to a successful campaign. We needed to show more of the resolve that makes us so hard to beat and fortunately we did.

Sam was very quickly five up against a home club player and coasted home by a 2&1 margin. Rob has a reputation for being a fearsome putter but on these greens holing much was always going to be more by luck than judgment and despite hitting 16 greens he could only muster a half. A strong performance however and back on better surfaces he is sure to make his mark this season.

Louis had a tall order against Midlands No.2 Jon Chamberlain and so it proved with the fairways and greens style of the Northants man in complete contrast to the rough, bush, chip putt approach of the captain. What deserved to be an 8&6 loss was reduced to a 2&1 defeat!

We needed a strong finish and as is now becoming our trademark, a strong singles surge with wins from the improving Rich Oddy, the evergreen Ian Stranks and Dale set us up for a tight finish.

James produced an incredible up and down on the 18th having found himself both plugged and short-sided in the greenside trap for a well fought half. Gareth and Chris were frustrated by their performances in narrow defeats but they will score plenty enough points this season I?m sure!

So it came down to new boy Jack Sant, supported by his father amongst others. At two down with three to play it didn't look great but the last three holes at WGC suit the longer hitter and no one can compete with Jack in that department.

A birdie at the drivable 16th and a par on the long 17th meant that he stood on the 18th tee all square and needing a win for us to clinch the match.

There are two options off this tee: long iron down the right to leave a short pitch into a tight green or try to hit over the pine trees and the lake and pitch the green. Needless to say Jack opted for the latter choice and duly pitched his ball on the side of the green and two putted for the win.

In summary our intensity was better than in the friendlies last year but in a team that comprises of many strong putters, poor greens don't exactly help our cause. Not that this could be leveled as a criticism of Wellingborough - many courses have struggled with condition due to the poor winter weather.

I think we will use this as a stepping stone to better things in 2010. Team spirit is good, the guys all have a great desire to win and with the Midland League to defend this year I'm sure we won't lack the desire to establish ourselves as the team to beat.

Many thanks to Wellingborough for their hospitality and the Northants guys for ensuring that the game was played in great spirit Thanks also to New County President John Powell for his support on the day.