The choice of day amongst the recent days of pouring rain was exceptional and we enjoyed a wonderful morning in the sunshine. Unfortunately the result at lunchtime should have shone more brightly on the heads  of the LMEGA, but after some close matches we ended up losing 1 ½ - 3 ½ .

Special mention should be made of David Manners who fought bravely against 2 of the opposition in a singles and nearly beat a 4 handicapper , who only just holed a long put on the 18th to halve the match. Also to Neil Avent and Dannny Maylin who managed to win our only point of the morning.

The afternoon proved more difficult especially after experiencing a very heavy rain shower for about ten minutes. Derek Raphael and David Manners were our only success in scoring a half. Brian Woodbridge had to bring up the rear and play a singles match against two people. This proved a bridge too far, losing 2-1 and 4-3 coming off the course last in the semi dark.

All in all a very pleasant day was experienced by both sides in a very friendly and convivial atmosphere.

The opposition reversed the result of last year by having a convincing win 8-2. We look forward to the contest next year.

Results AM 4 ball better ball

D. Manners  v  A. Leatham                        Half
D.Manners  v  P.Heanan                            Lost 4-3

B.Woodbridge  v  N. Beaumont                  Lost 4-3
D.Littlestone         P.Bannister

D.Raphael   v  B.Callingham                      Lost 1-0
A.Singhania    R.O’Connor

N.Avent     v   H. Jenkins                     Won 1-0
D.Maylin        J.Hunt

Results PM Foursomes

D.Raphael   v   A.Leatham                        Half
D.Manners      P.Bannister

N.Avent   v   N.Beaumont                        Lost 3-2
A.Singhania   R.O’Connor

D.Littlestone   v  B.Callingham                 Lost 4-3
D.Maylin              J.Hunt

B.Woodbridge  v  P.Heanan                     Lost 2-1
B.Woodbridge  v H.Jenkins                      Lost 4-3

Just a short note to let you know how the day went. Great course good food and excellent weather.   

The day didn't start well with the B.O.E turning up with a 10 man side against our eight so the morning pairs meant that Steven and I played single against two B.O.E golfers. The morning result reflected the team in-balance which was 4 matches to B.O.E 1 match to the L.M.E. In the afternoon foursomes the score was 3 1/2 B.O.E to 1 1/2 L.M.E. overall result therefore was a win to the B.O.E 7 1/2 to 2 1/2.

The LMEGA held its Autumn Meeting at Thorndon Park yesterday. The incredible Indian Summer just rolls on and on and the day was blessed with glorious sunshine. The course was in prime condition, with the gently undulating greens quite deceptive and with soft turf on the fairways. We couldn't have asked for better and the four guests must have been impressed at the venue and the reception. 

The morning singles stableford and the Gold Cup was won on a countback by Jan Rommer (Toyota) with 34 points, from Steven Spencer (Traderight). The guest prize was won by Peter Crump, Harry Scott’s guest. The afternoon competition was restructured as a team stableford and was won by Barry Watson and his guest Keith Hutchins with Paul Shuter and his guest Mike Gatrell. The runners up were James Haines (AMT), David Hardy, David Ratcliffe and Steven Smith (AMT). 

And that brings us to the Aggregate Cup, for the best combined score from the Spring and Autumn meetings, which goes to Rob Draisey with a combined 68 points. 

The trophies are no longer removed from the LME showcase for insurance reasons (or when we lose matches!) but we are trying to get an engraver to work on the trophies in the LME lobby as in post Open Championship fashion. This should be done at the end of the season.

The next events are the annual match against the Sugar Association of London at Sandy Lodge on 16th October and the ‘needle’ match against the British Secondary Metals Association (the Scrap) against whom we will have to play out of our socks to win, so anyone paying to their handicap or better, please put your names down! This match is at Moor Park on 31st October.