East Riding Union’s under 18s travelled to Serlby Park GC for their second match of the YIDU league season to take on the might of the Sheffield Union. The short course near Bawtry was a new venue for the whole team and marked their first away match of the season.
The course is located within the grounds of the Serlby Estate and can be characterised as a picturesque tree lined layout with some tight lines off certain tees, whilst surrounded by some magnificent old trees. Although classed as a 'nine hole course', there are 11 greens and 18 tees with some holes even having two different coloured flags on the same green - one for the front nine and one for second time around - simples! Considering the winter we have had, the course was in great condition and has remained open almost all winter which is a great credit to the staff.
A beautifully clear, bright sunny day, if a little cool, greeted both teams for the morning foursomes which were interesting to say the least.
In the top match, captain Luke Thornton of Hessle GC and Callum Burns of Cottingham GC raced to a 3up lead after 6 holes. They weathered a mini fightback, but managed to hold on for a 2&1 win. At the other end of the draw, Tom Adcock and Huxley Sawyer, both from Cave Castle GC, ran into a couple of inspired opponents and the match went the way of the home side 7&5. The rest of the matches were close affairs. After being up in most matches going into the back nine, only Ewan MacKenzie and Luke Townhill, both from Ganton GC, managed to hold on for a half point.
Narrow defeats in matches 3,4 and 5 left East Riding 9-3 down at lunch. Much to ponder over the egg sandwiches!!
So a very fast start was needed by the Union to get things back on terms with our hosts. Initial signs suggested all the matches were very close games, with not much between both teams. However, as the back nine unfolded the YIDU defending league champions Sheffield started to move away.
Bright spots for the Union came from Ewan Mackenzie, Luke Townhill, Callum Burns and Tom Adcock who won their matches 1up, 4&3, 3&1 and 5&4 respectively. George Coope, Cottingham GC and George Walker of Ganton GC hung on for battling halves. Although he lost his match 2&1, Harry Mukerjea's unbelievable par 4 at the 17th hole from the knee high rough and bluebells (see photos in the gallery below) was a sight to behold that even the great Seve would have been proud of!!
Callum was the only player to win both his matches at Serlby Park and maintains his 100% record for the season and opens up a small gap at the top of the 2024 Player of the Year standings.
In the end, the East Riding lost 23-13. Congratulations to Sheffield, just too good for us on the day. With the start of exams season, we have a little gap now to our next match which is against the York Union at Heworth GC on Tuesday 28th May. Good luck to all those sitting exams this summer.
A big thank you to all the staff and members of Serlby who came out to watch and ball spot for all the matches today. It was greatly appreciated.
As always, thank you to all the volunteers and parents who help make these events happen. Thank you to the Sheffield Union for your kind hospitality and to all the staff at Serlby GC for being wonderful hosts.
Sunil Mukerjea
Junior Team Manager
