It says something about the team spirit of the ERUGC Men's Team that there was as much celebration for Paul Harper's first singles win as for the victory over York Union itself. Paul's 15 foot birdie putt at his home club Scarborough North Cliff's final hole was a fitting way to close out the tie to keep East Riding in the YIDU title hunt.
Captain Andy Locklood was forced into a few late changes for the final home fixture of the season, but still fielded a strong dozen to take on a York Union side sitting joint bottom of the YIDU table with Bradford Union after a disappointing campaign.
Despite a lost ball off the first tee, Steve Uzzell and Matty Raybould brought home the first points of the day with a last hole victory just as Aaron Brettell and Jonnie Fisher had appeared from over the road having won 4&3. Another win for Jacob Hodgson and Lockwood by two holes was chalked up before York got on the scoreboard with a half in match 4 against the Toms - Brown and Duck.
Match 5 also went the distance where, despite leading with three holes to play, Luke Thornton and George Clark went down to a York birdie at the last. The anchor foursomes pair of Leigh Gawley and SNC member Paul Harper wrapped up a good morning's work with a 2&1 win to leave East Riding 9-3 up at lunch.
The afternoon singles began above the spectacular North Bay with Steve Uzzell cementing his place at the top of the Player of the Year standings with a 2&1 victory. York were in no mood however to let East Riding have it all their own way with Steve Lynch (formally of this parish) recording an excellent win over Aaron Brettell. Another away win came courtesy of Nathan Wilkinson who beat Matty Raybould 2&1.
Home wins in the middle order from Jacob Hodgson, Jonnie Fisher and the impressive Tom Duck on his home track allowed Leigh Gawley to get East Riding over the winning line with his 3&2 victory which included an eagle at the par 5 8th.
Andy Lockwood wrapped up his game at the 13th which allowed him to support the back end over the closing holes. Luke Thornton won at the last and Tom Brown won 3&2. George Clark was on the end of a back nine fightback full of birdies and went down 4&3, before Paul Harper scrapped his way to the 18th at all square before delivering his memorable birdie in front of both teams and watching ERUGC President Jonty Hall.
East Riding's 27-9 victory left them wondering about results elsewhere around Yorkshire, but ensured that they would at least be in with a chance of retaining their YIDU League title on Sunday 1 September when they visit Teesside.
Thanks to starter Andy Pittaway who had to be on point throughout the day due to the nature of Scarborough's driveable opening hole. The course was in wonderful condition and the staff looked after both teams and officials with a smile - the customary fish and chips were a triumph.
Jonathan Clark
ERUGC Junior League Secretary
