Buoyed by a victory over the Bank in the Quadrilateral competition in July, your team of ten arrived at West Byfleet under glorious skies reminiscent of the previous day at Golf National de Paris. The course promised much: tight tree-lined fairways; slick greens; and the greenkeeping department’s sadism on full power when it came to some pin positions.
The Bank has a formidable record in these matches and its team contained many players from the top echelon of City golf. Could the plucky underdogs pull off another shock victory? Who would be the Frankie Molinari? Who would be the Bryson de Shambles?
At lunch, similar to the result after the Friday Fourballs in Paris, LMEGA found itself 3 ½ - 1 ½ down to a rampant, confident Bank. Yang Liu and John Ambery pulled off a valuable half against the Bank’s rookie, Charlotte Barton, and their low handicapper, Howard Taylor. The dream team of Hardy and Smit, often confused for Molinari and Fleetwood, overcame their opponents 3 and 1. Neal Avent could only join the Hon Sec on the 8th tee, having been caught in the aftermath of the M25 closure following a nasty accident.
After ample sustenance, courtesy of West Byfleet’s bar and catering staff which earn an honourable mention, and an inspirational team talk from the match manager inspiring the team to replicate the Friday afternoon foursomes whitewash, your team very nearly achieved it!
Wins in the singles over 11 holes were recorded by Yang along with Messrs Spencer, Ambery, Farrar, Heath, Avent and Hardy, whilst the Captain and Colin Griffiths halved with their respective opponents. Our very own Phil Mickelson, aka Bill Smit, was the only member to drop a point but only by the final putt on the 18th. He would be horrified not to be mentioned in despatches!
A final score of 9 ½ - 5 ½ was testament to the team’s belief in itself and a commitment to excellence with every player contributing to the score.
Our Captain was presented with the trophy, an oddly uninscribed silver salver, by the Bank’s Captain Ian Canning, leaving our team to celebrate and look forward to the return match at West Byfleet in a year’s time.