After a significant defeat away at Felixstowe in our third match of four, team captain Ian Thompson and a much-changed team, travelled to near neighbours Gosfield Lakes for their last chance to qualify for the semi-finals of this year’s Curry Cup.
Once again, the Stoke boys struggled in the morning foursomes, losing 5 ½ – ½, the half point coming from the pairing of Kevin Hitchman and Ricky Olejnik.
Following a hearty lunch and a little liquid refreshment, the boys came out fighting in the afternoon singles with Cyril Williams first man out returning a quick 4 – 3 win.
Dave Camm was next in, having won 6 -4. The middle order matches were much closer, Rob Tanner came in 2 up but there were defeats for Tim Dickens, Mark Chaplin, Trevor Brace and Trevor Warren. There was a flourish from the last three matches, with Dean Brace winning 4 -2, Ben Lugton with a superb 7 – 6 win and Ricky Olejnik closely following with a win 5 – 4. Two matches remained out on the course and could not have been tighter, Kevin Hitchman secured a half point and a birdy by Thommo’s opponent on the last meant that the final match finished all square.
So, a win in the afternoon singles 7 – 5, but defeat overall 10 ½ – 7 ½
Despite the defeat, the match was played in a great atmosphere with both teams enjoying each other’s company, played on a course in excellent condition on a balmy summer’s day
