The final match of East Riding’s YIDU season saw the team head north up the A19 to Teesside Golf Club to play the talented Teesside Union.
Teesside are the current YIDU Inter District six man boy’s team champions, so this was going to be a challenging nut to crack.
This season’s team has had a much more settled look to it throughout with some strong partnerships developing. With one eye to the future, the Union gave the talented Ethan Matthews from Burstwick his first start for the East Riding. A young man with a bright future ahead of him and one to definitely watch!! Another 'newish' face was Hornsea's Seth Topham, another with a bright future, making only his second appearance of the season.
So the scenario was simple for the East Riding, they needed to avoid defeat to finish second in the YIDU league table. A tremendous achievement for a side who finished second bottom last season!
As the matches got underway on a bright North East morning, the Union’s top 4 matches were the usual settled line up. Through 9 holes, all matches were fairly close affairs. Luke Thornton and Warren Burns took control of their match round the turn and were 5 up at one point. Some steady play meant they ran out winners 2&1.
The next two matches were very close and both ended up all square in the end. Matches 4 and 5 went the way of hosts, with Alfie Slater and Bobby Beasley in match 4, Tom Ward and Ethan Matthews in match 5 both going down 3&2. A good effort.
So much hung on the last match of Seth Topham and Harry Mukerjea. With the game finely poised playing the last, a victory was imperative for the Union. Seth Topham produced one of the shots of the day as he hit a stunning wedge shot into about 3ft which meant their match was conceded - a 2up win the result for East Riding. So at half time, honours were even at 6-6. A very close match.
With the spectre of rain and the possibility of thunderstorms looming, the afternoon singles matches got underway. Thankfully the bad weather never materialised. The Union need six wins and a half to win the match outright.
In the top match, Luke Thornton proved his class once again, winning 2&1. Another strong performance from the big hitting Warren Burns saw him win his match 3&2. Callum Burns took his match to the tricky 18th, unfortunately losing out 2 down. George Walker ran into an inspired opponent and went down 4&3. The match was definitely ebbing and flowing one way then the other!
Good wins for Luke Townhill, Bobby Beasley and George Coope 4&2, 5&4 and 3&2 respectively, took the Union to the brink of a tight win. So with two matches left on the course, the Union needed one win and a half to win overall. An impressive debut got even better for Ethan Matthews as he produced some fantastic golf to win 4&3. Well done young man. With that win, the East Riding hit the magic 18 point mark meaning defeat had been averted, a crucial moment.
So it was left to see if Harry Mukerjea could win the last for overall victory. Unfortunately not on this occasion. So the match was drawn 18-18. On balance a fair result. Well played both teams. Two very evenly balanced teams produced a very finely balanced match. There was some super impressive golf from both sides on display. Well played Teesside. It was also great to see the boys from both sides out supporting their teammates once their matches had finished. The match was played in a great spirit.
Thank you Teesside Union for your hospitality and to Teesside Golf Club thank you all for a lovely day. We were made to feel very welcome. So with that point, the East Riding Union Under 18 Boys finished second in the league and win the runner’s up trophy.
In the seven matches played this season, we had 4 wins, 2 draws and only 1 loss. A fantastic performance by all 22 boys that have played this season. Well done to you all and thank you.
As the season draws to a conclusion and this is my last match report of this season, a few thank yous if I may.
To our President Mike Dawson, thank you for your help and support through the year and acting as a very able Vice Captain! Mr Steve Thornton, thank you for all your support and keeping us all well supplied throughout the year. The Union’s official starter, Mr Andy Pittaway for making sure that the all matches are on time off the first tee. To the President elect Jonty Hall, we wish you well and hope you have a good year as President. We look forward to working with you next year.
A huge thank you to all the family and friends who travelled to our matches. Without your support in getting the boys to events and acting as additional eyes and ears it would make life extremely difficult. Thank you all. It is hugely appreciated. To the clubs we have visited, thank you for your hospitality. We greatly appreciate it. To the team captain Luke Townhill, my sincere thanks. You have “marshalled your troops” well this season young Padawan! Fitting that you have won the 2023 Player of the Year Award. Final 2023 Player of the Year standings Some interesting after dinner speeches as well!! And finally to the team - massive congratulations boys and thank you for keeping us entertained. That has been a fantastic season for the team. Thanks chaps.
This season we lose two of our senior players as they are now too old for us, Jack Northgraves (Ganton) and Tom Ward (Burstwick). Thank you for your efforts for the Union at this level over the years. It has been a pleasure getting to know you both over the past two years and watch you both develop into fine young men. Not bad golfers either!!!
So in closing, stay safe, winter well everyone, take care all and thank you. Remember, strengthen you weaknesses without weakening your strengths. Bring on next season!!
Sunil Mukerjea
Junior Team Manager
Results and final 2023 league standings
