2021 Results and table

2021 YIDU Men's Team Results

East Riding Men's Team are League Champions 2021

In a closely contested season, the ERU Men's Team have finished top of the league table for the first time since 2009. Their final day win over Bradford resulted in euphoric scenes in and around the Burstwick clubhouse as the team and its supporters celebrated the achievement.

East Riding went into the final match knowing that a win would secure the title unless Halifax Huddersfield won their match against Harrogate by a landslide. Both teams had won four games and halved their head-to-head three weeks earlier, with just one loss apiece. Sheffield were in with a shout to win the title, should the top two stumble and even Bradford had an outside chance. So a win was imperative and Captain Andy Lockwood's rousing pre-match briefing will long be remembered by those present!

The team saw the return of Alan Wright, making his 201st appearance, paired in the foursomes with Mark Lamb (only 93 appearances) as they ran out 4&3 winners. At the other end of the age scale were Tommy Risker and Will Storr from the Under 18s squad securing a final hole win , whilst Nick Raybould, making his last appearance before turning pro, and Jamie Gregory romped home by 7&6. The other three games were lost by narrow margins, leaving the teams tied at lunch.

Foursomes score: East Riding 6, Bradford 6

As the afternoon wore on, the mood of the watching supporters changed from relaxed to nervous, then back to relaxed and finally to confident. The top three singles were all closely contested with the result of each being in the balance until late in the game. Bradford were eventually to take an overall lead with Raybould and Aaron Brettell both losing 3&2 whilst Steve Uzzell won by 2&1.

Gregory at number 4 looked to be well in control at 3up through 11 but was taken to the last to provide yet more nervous tension for his Captain. At this point, the scores were level but then the floodgates opened and it became a question as to who would win the all-important 19th point.

Games 5 to 8 all fell to East Riding. Lewis Nicholls, another veteran with 94 appearances, won by 5&4 whilst Risker needed one more hole to secure his victory. Wins for Andy Woodhead (2&1) and Wright (3&2) took the team to 18 points.

When Will Storr stepped onto the 16th tee 3 up with 3 to play, the win was assured and he would go on to close out his match 3&1. Attention then turned to what was happening on the far side of the county and when the result of the Halifax v Harrogate match came through at 24:12, the league title was won.

Steve Lynch and Leigh Gawley both managed to win their games on the final hole whilst Lamb succumbed by 2&1

Singles score: East Riding 18, Bradford 6

Overall score: East Riding 24, Bradford 12

What a season! From the disappointment of the narrow loss in the opening match against Sheffield, through the afternoon fightbacks against Leeds and Harrogate and the nerve-jangling tie with Halifax/Huddersfield, this team of 27 players and its non-playing Captain, Andy Lockwood  have done the Union proud.

Steve Uzzell is Player of the year with 37 points. Jack Maxey & Leigh Gawley tied for second place with 28 points, Tommy Risker, Steve Lynch & Lewis Nicholls have 27 and Jamie Gregory has 26.

Howard Palmer
ERU Men's Team Support

All photos of the last match were provided by Bellsa Photography
Click here to see the Bellsa Photography Instagaram Page

Men's Team title hopes still alive

Prior to the day of the penultimate match at Scarborough North Cliff, East Riding Men's Team topped the table alongside opponents on the day, Halifax & Huddersfield. Both teams knew that defeat would probably end their quest for the League title which, in East Riding's case, had eluded them since 2009. Sheffield were also in the mix on the same points as East Riding.

The day, like the weather, began poorly for East Riding with five of the six foursomes losing the opening hole. However, as the sun broke through, so the spirits were lifted as East Riding took a slender lead after 7 holes but, like the changeable weather, it was hard to predict the final outcome. Estimates ranged from 8:4 in favour of East Riding to 8:4 to Halifax and after 12 holes, East Riding were still ahead by a nose.

At the head of the field Steve Uzzell & Jack Maxey ran out winners by 3&2 whilst the bottom match featuring North Cliff youngsters, Tom Benson & Jack Northgraves, romped home 6&4. Jamie Gregory & Tommy Risker, having been 3 up through 7 holes, scrambled a half, whilst Steve Lynch & Leigh Gawley fought back to level their game on the final green.

So the lunchtime score was 6 points apiece, to which Captain Andy Lockwood remarked “at least we're not losing!”, a reference to the fact that in earlier matches, East Riding have had to come from behind.

Foursomes Score: East Riding 6, Halifax & Huddersfield 6

The singles began well with East Riding winning three of the top four games, Uzzell by 6&4, Aaron Brettell by 3&2 and Gregory by 3&2. Maxey was probably feeling the effects of playing two tough games for Yorkshire the previous day, losing 2&1 having been 5 down after 12 holes.

Momentum swung back to Halifax in the middle four games, with East Riding only able to record a couple of halves from Risker and Lynch, whilst Lewis Nicholls and Mark Lamb lost by 2&1 and 4&3 respectively. The overall scores were now tied at 14 all but Tom Broadley was unable to repeat his heroics from Rudding Park, losing 4&2 and Gawley, having fought back from 3 down, was devastated to lose on the final green.

East Riding were staring defeat in the face and the mood in the squad matched the weather over North Bay as the rain came down. Step forward Northgraves and Benson to rescue the situation with a maturity beyond their years. Benson, in the anchor role which he had also filled at Rudding, produced the same result with a win on the 17th green, whilst Northgraves, having taken a lead into the final hole, emulated his Under 18s Captain, George Clark at Rudding by striking his second shot to within a few feet of the hole to close out his game by 2 holes.

So the scores were tied which, as visiting Captain Frank Greaves remarked “does neither team any favours”. But then news came through that Sheffield had lost 17:19 against Leeds, which meant that East Riding and Halifax still topped the table, the former with a significantly better games won and lost differential. Even a narrow win against Bradford in our final match would almost certainly lift the League title.

Singles Score: East Riding 12, Halifax & Huddersfield 12

Overall Score: East Riding 18, Halifax & Huddersfield 18

It was good to see such a strong following for both teams, including the President, starter Derrick Arden, Chris Clarkson, Stephen Larard, John Freeman, Steve Thornton and Dave Raybould.

Steve Uzzell is Player of the Year as the only other player who can catch him is Jack Maxey, who is unavailable for the final match.

Howard Palmer
ERU Men's Team Support

Men's Team stay top after thrilling win

Whoever said that golf was an individual sport has clearly not experienced Ryder Cup golf, nor the sheer enthusiasm of the East Riding Men's Team of 2021. In overcoming a strong Harrogate Team fielding seven players from the host club of Rudding Park, East Riding demonstrated a team spirit that has been evident throughout the season and which has probably earned them a couple of extra points per match.

Tom Broadley and Jake Sowden were making their first appearance for the team in 2021 and Tom Benson was on debut. Two late replacements, George Clark and Luke Thornton were drafted into the team late on the Saturday following injuries to Leigh Gawley and Jacob Hodgson.

In the morning foursomes, Harrogate held the upper hand throughout although, until late on, it looked as if East Riding might achieve parity. Unfortunately, Steve Lynch & Tom Broadley saw their 1 hole lead reversed losing the 16th and 17th to an eagle and par and they were unable to birdie the last, losing by 2 holes.

This added to the losses suffered by Jack Maxey & Matty Raybould  (3&2), Lewis Nicholls & Jake Sowden (4&3) and Luke Thornton & Will Storr (4&3). However, Nick Raybould & Jamie Gregory managed to win a hard fought game by 2&1 and after an anxious wait for the Tom Benson & George Clark result of 2&1 (their lead of 4 up after five holes was reduced to only 1 up after fifteen), East Riding lunched four points in arrears.

Foursomes score: Harrogate 8, East Riding 4

East Riding had overcome a six point foursomes deficit earlier in the year against Leeds and Team Manager, Andy Lockwood was confident we could come back again. And so it proved.

The top four singles established the platform for success by winning three of their games; Nick Raybould (2&1), Maxey (1 up) and Gregory (2 up). Matty Raybould was unlucky to lose by 2&1. Scores level 10 points each.

The middle four singles were shared with Nicholls closing out his match 3&1 after a little wobble having been 4 up with 7 to play and Broadley overturned a 1 hole deficit after the 14th to win on the 17th with a gimme birdie 3. Lynch was hit with a barrage of birdies to lose 4&2 whilst Sowden never recovered from a disastrous start, going down 4&3. Scores level 14 points each.

And so the result hinged on the last four singles, all of which featured a player from the Under 18s squad. First to post a result was Storr, 1 up through the 14th,  he won the 15th and 16th for a 3&2 win. Next up was Thornton who, having kept his match alive by chipping-in on the 16th, succumbed by 2&1. Scores level 16 points each.

Benson in the final match, birdied the 16th to go dormie 2 and then secured a par on the next to win 2&1. Which left Clark at match number 11 to determine whether East Riding won or halved the match. Having been pegged back to all square on the 17th, he found the middle of the 18th fairway. A superb 6 iron to four feet set up a birdie to win the game and secure the win for the team. He was instantly mobbed by the whole of the East Riding team and its supporters.

Singles score: Harrogate 8, East Riding 16

Match score: Harrogate 16, East Riding 20

What a memorable match! The writer witnessed shots of amazing skill (from both teams), too numerous to detail in this report, was almost decapitated by an errant shot (from a Harrogate player) and was impressed how each player whose match had finished, came straight back out to support their colleagues. It is probably the first match I have witnessed where not one of the eighteen games was halved. In addition to the Team Manager and myself, the team was well supported by President John Chambers, John Illingworth, Steve Thornton, the Clark family and parents of Jake Sowden, Will Storr and Tom Benson.

The result leaves East Riding top of the table with the same points as Sheffield and Halifax/Huddersfield but a better games won and lost difference. In the next round on 15th August we entertain Halifax/Huddersfield at Scarborough North Cliff whilst Sheffield travel to Howley Hall to play Leeds.

In the Player of the Year table, Steve Uzzell is joined by Jack Maxey on 25 points, with Leigh Gawley and Lewis Nicholls four points back on 21.

Howard Palmer
ERU Men's Team Support

Men’s team maintain impetus in YIDU League

The East Riding Union welcomed a Teesside team that represented the full age spectrum to Filey GC, their President John Simpson was joined by recent Past President, Gary I’ent as late replacements. Clearly the covid 19 situation had some impact although the final of European Championships may also have had something to with some withdrawals.

East Riding’s resurgence in Foursomes continued apace with usual front runners Steve Uzzell and Jack Maxey winning 2 up. Uzzell’s length off the tee allowed Maxey to play an imperious pitch into the last which was ultimately conceded.

Debutant Stuart Easton and team regular Lewis Nicholls give the first away after driving into deep rough but their generosity ended there as they strolled to a 6 & 4 triumph with Nicholls eulogising about his partner’s performance.

Solid wins for Leigh Gawley and Steve Lynch (4 & 3) and Mark Lamb and second debutant Aaron Brettell (4 &2) gave the Union all 8 points from the first 4 matches. A position from which Teesside were not going to recover.

Steve Pybus and Rees Brown were unlucky to lose 1 down but Tommy Risker and fellow Junior Team member Jack Northgraves restored the advantage strolling to victory over the evergreen Simpson and I’ent (4 & 3)

Foursomes score: East Riding 10, Teesside 2

The early afternoon portents were not good when over half the team were losing on the course. Out front though Uzzell was always in control and eased to a 2up victory and Stuart Easton continued his morning form with a comfortable 6 & 4 win. Comeback wins for Nicholls (2 & 1), Gawley (1up) and Pybus (2 & 1) reversed the worrying trend. Down the field convincing wins for Brettell (6 & 5), Risker (6 & 5) and Northgraves (5 & 4) made the winning margin far more comfortable than the watching spectators feared.

All three debutants, Easton, Brettell and Northgraves gained maximum points and gave watching Team Manager, Andy Lockwood a selection headache for the next match against Harrogate of Alex Ferguson proportions.

Singles score: East Riding 17, Teesside 7

Match score: East Riding 27, Teesside 9

In the Player of the Year, Uzzell remains out in front with 25 points, Gawley is his closest challenger on 21 with Maxey on 20. Tied fourth on 17 are Lamb and Lynch.

My thanks go to the support team of President John Chambers, Peter Robertson and the ever present Steve Thornton.

….. and whisper it quietly East Riding are top of the table after four matches.

Men's Team consolidate with a win against York

Foursomes golf has not always been East Riding's forte but against the York Union, we appear to have found a winning formula. In the previous encounter at Boothferry GC, East Riding took lunch with a 10:2 advantage. This year, at Sandburn Hall GC it was even more emphatic.

Jack Maxey & Steve Uzzell were in control throughout their match, winning by 5&3, whilst Andy Woodhead & Lewis Nicholls had a nervy run for home, eventually prevailing by 2&1. Leigh Gawley & Steve Lynch, having been 3 up after eight holes, were pleased to survive a York comeback and secure a half, whilst Lewis Blanchard & Rees Brown had a tight contest to take their match 1 up.

The final two matches comprised four of our Under 18s squad. Jacob Hodgson & Will Storr, both of Hull GC, had a relatively comfortable win by 4&2, whilst Tommy Risker of Scarborough South Cliff GC & George Clark, Junior Captain from Hull GC, fought back from 3 down at the turn, to win on the last.

Foursomes score: East Riding 11, York 1

Any chance of a York comeback was swiftly extinguished, as the top three singles produced wins for East Riding – Uzzell by 2&1, Maxey 2 up and Nicholls 3&2. The next four matches were shared, Gawley and Woodhead winning by 3&2 and 2&1 respectively, whilst Lynch lost by 3&1, as did Blanchard, 3&2.

Brown, marked his return to the team with a 3&2 win and the “youngsters” made their contribution with halved games for Storr and Risker, a narrow loss for Hodgson and an emphatic win for Clark by 5&4, which included five birdies on the front nine.

Singles score: East Riding 16, York 8

Overall score : East Riding 27, York 9

Team Manager, Andy Lockwood congratulated the team in the post match “huddle” and urged them to keep working on their game. The team was well supported throughout the day by the President, John Chambers and the President Elect, Peter Robertson, with parents and grandparents of some of the younger team members also in attendance.

After three rounds, the Player of the Year table is headed by Steve Uzzell on 18, followed by Jack Maxey (17), Steve Lynch (15), Leigh Gawley (13) and Mark Lamb (12)

Howard Palmer
Team Support

Men's Team stage fightback to beat Leeds

Round 2 of the YIDU Men's League saw East Riding take on Leeds at Hull GC. At lunchtime, the home team was trailing by six points, after a disappointing set of morning foursomes. All the matches were close-run affairs with four of them going to the last and the other two finishing 2&1.

Jack Maxey & Matty Raybould was the only paring to win, having been down for most of the match, whereas Steve Uzzell & Mark Lamb had an up-and-down game, exchanging holes throughout, to secure a half.

Foursomes Score: East Riding 3, Leeds 9.

The afternoon singles began well for East Riding with an indication that the majority of matches were favouring the home team and this proved to be the case as matches finished. Despite Lewis Nicholls losing his match, the top four matches produced wins for Uzzell and Raybould plus a half from Maxey to reduce the deficit to four points.

East Riding were dominant in the middle of the order with first Leigh Gawley closing out his match 4&3, shortly followed by Steve Lynch winning 3&2. Jamie Gregory came to the last one up but found trouble off the tee and had to play sideways onto the neighbouring fairway from where he found the greenside bunker. His escape shot guaranteed a bogey and the match when his opponent missed his short put for par. This put East Riding in the lead which was, however, short-lived, as Lewis Blanchard was unable to overturn a one hole deficit.

With the scores level, attention turned to the last four matches. Will Storr, a Hull GC member and regular in the Under 18s Team, had stepped in on the morning of the match as a replacement for an injured Andy Woodhead. His local knowledge helped him secure a win by 2&1 but his fellow player from the junior ranks, Tommy Risker, lost to a final hole birdie. Scores still tied!

Dan Digby, one up through 16 was deep in the trees on the left of 17, when he produced a match-winning shot. Aiming at the adjacent 3rd green, he hooked the ball round, narrowly missing the greenside bunker to finish pin high on the 17th green, to the applause of his assembled team-mates. That win meant that East Riding could not lose and when reports came through that Mark Lamb, in the anchor role, was dormie 2 up, the fightback was complete. Lamb went on to win his match on the final green.

Singles Score: East Riding 17, Leeds 7

Overall Score: East Riding 20, Leeds 16

What a match!

Men's Team attempt at an overdue win against Sheffield falls short

A twenty month wait for the return of team golf, saw a keen and quietly confident East Riding team assemble at Abbeydale for the opening match of the 2021 season against Sheffield. Andy Lockwood, in his new role as Team Captain (non-playing due to injury), had drafted in some familiar faces from the past, Mark Lamb and Steve Uzzell, as well as up-and-coming U18 player, Tommy Risker and Phil Wright, a former member of the U18 squad, who was making his second appearance for the Men's team more than 15 years after his first.

On the previous day, Abbeydale had been hit by a huge storm, making the course very wet and causing the greenstaff to cut the holes on high spots to guard against the greens flooding in the event of a repeat performance from the weather. This made it tricky to get the ball in close and even some short puts were not conceded. As it turned out, the rain stayed away and targetted Doncaster instead.

In the morning, the foursomes were evenly balanced at halfway. Apart from the top match, where Sheffield had established a three hole lead, all the matches were close, with East Riding 1 up in matches 2, 3 and 4 and 1 down in the final two. Sheffield duly took the top match by 4&3 but Jack Maxey & Matty Raybould in match 2 levelled the score with a win by the same margin. Match 3 saw a reversal with Sheffield winning by 2&1 but Leigh Gawley and Steve Lynch countered with victory on the final green. Match 5 went to Sheffield by 3&2 and the final match, featuring Mark Lamb and Andy Woodhead, looked to be East Riding's, with the pair 1 up and on the final green in regulation when the opponents chipped in to win the hole and square the match.

Foursomes score: Sheffield 7, East Riding 5

The afternoon singles started well for East Riding with wins in the top two matches , 4&2 for Nick Raybould and 3&1 for Steve Uzzell, whilst Jack Maxey at match 3 came in with a half. Poor Matty Raybould at match 4 caught a tiger by the tail and was beaten 6&5, despite shooting 11 straight pars. Jamie Gregory battled hard but went down 2&1, whilst Amateur Champion, Steve Lynch secured a win on the final green.

At this point, with half the singles matches complete, the overall match score was tied. However, matches 7, 8 and 9 were all won by Sheffield, giving them an unbeatable tally and when the final three matches were shared, it was Sheffield that took the spoils, for a ninth consecutive time!

Tommy Risker was cross with himself for letting a two hole advantage slip in his halved match whilst Mark Lamb in the final match, with both teams watching on, thought he had won it for East Riding when he holed for a winning birdie on the final green.

Andy Woodhead was probably the unluckiest player on the day. Having been denied victory in the morning by that last hole chip in, his three foot put on the 10th in the afternoon, hit the pin full on and bounced out. He lost the hole and went on to lose the match 1 down!

Singles score: Sheffield 14, East Riding 10

Overall score: Sheffield 21, East Riding 15