Match report from Nick Clifford detailing how his team achieved another big win and went further ahead in the 2006 Midland League seconds championship, this match away at Oswestry GC

For the second friendly of 2005, new Captain of the Warwickshire 2nds Nick Clifford was not able to field a strong team against Leicestershire and the team lost 10-5. It was valuable experience for players who are on the fringes of selection but if winning the Midland League title is a target (as in 2003), those who play for this team are going to have to find their very best golf.

6th February 2005 - Andy Kearns (1st Team Captain) gathered together at Stratford Oaks GC 18 of the players under consideration for County golf for 2005, for an intensive short game and pre play preparation day. Aided by Graham Hargreaves (WU Executive member who has managed much of the new County intitiatives behind ‘Team Warwickshire’) and prospective new County Secretary Graham Hayes, this was a first chance to see the results of individual players’ work during the off-season as Warwickshire prepare to defend the Midland title and look to making County Finals.

On a day when bad weather was expected to disrupt play for the last day of Midland League matches for 2004, for County 1st and 2nd Teams, it was a delighted (eventually) Andy Kearns who saw the fruits of developing Team Warwickshire, together with Gordon Marston whose second team saw his caretaker year as Captain finish in incredible style.

Last year, this first round of friendly matches were played in almost Summer like conditions. This year, the 2nds were treating their visitors Northants to playing the Championship Arden course as both teams prepare for a busy Season – with Warwickshire being the holders of the Midland League title.

Sunday March 14th and 38 of the 1st and 2nd team Squad gathered at the De Vere Belfry for the annual first meeting of each year. Their test, in 4 ball better ball competition, was the Brabazon, made even more difficult by a very strong wind. This feature covers a first interview with new 1st Team Captain Andy Kearns, contact info for Andy and detail of the new GSA system which will be of great benefit for any prospective County player.

This is the Fixture List for the 1st and 2nd Teams for 2004. It is still at draft stage so there may be the odd change - please check back in the next few weeks. We will be asking the two new Team captains, Andy Kearns and Gordon Marston to review this list in the next week. Look out for their views on what lies ahead for our teams in the following year.