When 10 hardy CAGU soles arrived at the Gog Magog Golf Club early on a February Sunday morning conditions looked fairly bleak to say the least. In fact as both teams engaged in pre-season banter over coffee, snow flurries began to fall on already very frosty ground. However, there appeared to be a window of opportunity as the skies briefly brightened and amazingly the foursomes started on time. Credit must go here to both sides for their adventurous spirit, but unfortunately as a blizzard quickly ensued, the players had to make a dash for the sanctuary of the club house once more.

After much deliberation over more coffee it was decided that both teams were happy to sit it out and hope for a change in the weather, and ultimately it was hoped that some golf would be played. To everyone’s great relief the snow subsided and County Captain, Craig Russell, and Gogs Scratch Team Captain, James Stammers drove up to the top of the course and a “pitch inspection” was undertaken. The feeling was that although some of the greens were quite damp this would hopefully drain through into the Gogs chalk before too long. Therefore, it was agreed that, providing there was no more snow, one round of four balls would be possible after a further wait of a couple of hours or so.
And so finally, at around 11 o’clock, the match restarted. The delay had proved remarkably beneficial as the Wandlebury Course turned out to very playable and indeed in excellent condition considering what had gone before and the time of year. CAGU were led off by Jody Greenall and Adam Pike (both Elton Furze) against the host pairing of Jim Darby and Anthony Richardson. A tight battle ensued, with the experienced Gogs duo prevailing by a narrow 1 hole margin. Batting second for the County were the formidable Brampton Park partnership of Owen Davies and Rob Mallett. They were up against the big hitting pairing of County Vice-Captain, Steve Jarvis, and Gerard de Wolff. This turned out to be another close game, but once again the home side came out on top, this time with a 2&1 result. Therefore, much work was needed to be done by CAGU’s middle and lower order. Going out at number 3 were Toby Crisp (Links) and Owen Cousins (St. Neots), who was recommencing his county career after several years amongst the professional ranks. They were up against the Gogs pair of Clive Corcoran and Chris Fitt, who afterwards marvelled at the prodigious hitting of this new County partnership. Length was obviously not the only string to their bow however, as the CAGU pair won with a 3&2 score line. And so to match 4, which saw the two opposing captains against each other. Craig Russell and partner Dave Milburn (both Girton) took on the home side’s James Stammers and young debutant, Alan Vey. The experienced county duo got off to flying start, being 3 up through 4 and then 4 up through 7. So another CAGU point seemed a formality, especially as the 15th tee was boarded with a 3 up advantage. However, the end was not quite nigh, and there followed a spirited comeback by the home pair. Eventually it was left to the County Captain to get up and down at the tough 18th, thereby securing a par 4 and a 1 hole winning margin. So the match stood at 2 – 2 as the final game came down the last. Anchoring the CAGU side were the Immediate Past Captain, Matt Hartley, and fellow Links man Lee Marshall. They were pitted against Ben Ellison and John Lorimer for the Gogs. The onlookers quickly established that CAGU were 1 up as they approached the final green, but both of the county men had missed the green whilst Ben Ellison had hit a quality iron shot to 15 feet for the home side. Thus an overall draw looked most likely, especially as Matt Hartley’s chip finished above the hole, leaving him a fast, curling 6 footer. Ellison narrowly missed his birdie putt and it looked as though Hartley had done the same with his par attempt – the ball dove left and seemed to be missing low, but then proceeded to do a full 360 around the hole before making the necessary drop, much to the pleasure of the watching CAGU supporters and Captain Craig. And so CAGU prevailed by a 3 – 2 overall margin.

There followed a very enjoyable dinner, attended by Gogs Club Captain, Gordon Lamb, and County Vice-President, Ian Peattie. In fact, many thanks to Ian who had been out on the course supporting, along with the ever present Past President, Geoff Welton, and his wife, Debs – again, many thanks to them for their continuing support. But most of all thanks must go to the Gogs – to their Scratch Team who always provide valuable and testing opposition and play the game in the right spirit, as of course do the CAGU boys, and moreover to the club as a whole who looked after everybody very well throughout the day, even under slightly trying circumstances.
Congratulations to the CAGU side and many thanks to all those who took part. Let’s hope this proves to be the winning start to a winning season!

Afternoon games cancelled due to morning snow