Seniors: Staffs give good account in EGU Team Finals

After their impressive victory against all the other midland counties at Kirby Muxloe earlier in the year, Staffordshire qualified for the EGU National Team finals. Narrowly losing in the opening two days Staffs seniors came good to win their final day and finished third in the overall results.

The Team consisted of Glenn MacBryde [Stone GC.], Keith Andrews [Little Aston], Bob Aston [Newcastle GC], Roger Hupmhryson [Oxley park], County President Andrew Dathan, [Whittington Heath], Steve Wild, Neil Portas and Captain Nick Copestick [All from Trentham]. Terry Henwood from Walsall was the team manager.

This 2011 three day event in which the leading counties from the north [Lancashire], south east [favourites Kent] and the south west [Dorset] were held at Gog Magog on Oct 3-6.

The first couple of days were played in superb conditions, it was hot and sunny but a strong wind made conditions difficult, then this unusual Mediterranean spell gave way and the weather changed. For the final day, temperatures plunged back to seasonal norms and the wind got even stronger but thankfully the predicted rains did not arrive.

Staffordshire had a tough opening day playing against holders Kent and the form book held good with Kent coming out the winners by 6-3. Day two the team faced Dorset but again in a closely contested match Staffordshire went down 5-4. The final day was played out against Lancashire and clearly Captain Copestick,s pep talk produced the results because the Staffs boys emerged 5-4 victors to end up in third spot. Kent retained the trophy for the third year running with comprehensive victories over Dorset and Lancashire.

Our thanks go to the John Williams, John Walker and all the other EGU officials and referees for organising the event so successfully. We also thank Gog Magog Golf club and Captain David Latham for hosting the event, for getting the old course in such superb condition and for their superb hospitality.

David Thomas [Chairman Staffs Seniors]