After a promising start to the season with two victories from their opening two fixtures, the last of the Union’s home fixtures on this rotation against the Sheffield Union would test the confidence of the team and provide a good marker to show the improvement that the team has made collectively.
A few changes were necessary - in came Tom Ward, Junior Captain at Burstwick and Erjan Kuzu, Junior Captain from Cottingham for the unavailable Jack Northgraves and Luke Thornton. Both teams were welcomed to a much refreshed Packman Lane course after recent rains, however there was still much fire in its fairways and greens to make for an interesting day’s golf. Breezy conditions meant all players needed to have control of their ball.
This proved challenging on certain holes but after nine holes in the morning, barring one match, the games were all reasonably close. The visitors proved too strong for Alfie Slater and Callum Burns who lost their match 8&6, whilst the other five matches went much deeper into the back nine.
The top two matches finished with defeats for the East Riding 4&2 and 4&3. However, a hard fought win by George Coope and Tom Ward proved the only positive point in the morning's matches. So at half time the East Riding were 10-2 down.
As the afternoon singles began and the breeze remained if not strengthened, the challenge for the East Riding was to produce a performance to make themselves proud. The boys knew what needed to be done, but despite some early encouraging signs, it soon became clear that today was not going to be a “Miracle at Medinah” day!!!
All credit to George Coope who won his singles 2&1 and contributed 4pts out of the 6 today for the Union. A sterling performance which takes him top of the Player of the Year standings.
Warren Burns was unlucky to lose his match after his opponent holed from 40ft on the last green. Luke Townhill fought hard to earn a half point, holing from 6ft at the last and Alfie Slater battled hard to maintain his unbeaten run over two years of singles matches with a gutsy half point.
So as you will have guessed, the East Riding lost 30-6. Well played Sheffield who tighten their grip at the top of the YIDU league table.
My usual sincere thanks goes to all the volunteers, helpers and parents who make today’s events happen. Thank you to our hosts today, Hull Golf Club for your hospitality. Your support of Union golf is always greatly appreciated.
For our next fixture, we head west for our first away trip of the season to The Manor, Drighlington on Thursday 27th July against the Bradford Union.
We shall see you all again soon.
Sunil Mukerjea
Junior Team Manager
