Club Championship (Gross)

1^st Place - Ian Curley                        67 + 70 = 137

2^nd Place - Andy Guy                       72 + 72 = 144

3^rd Place - Ross Salmon                  71 + 75 = 146

A L Boulton Salver (Nett)

1^st Place - Andy Baxter                   66 + 71 = 137

2^nd Place - Dennis Vincent             67 + 72 = 139

3^rd Place - Ross Salmon                 68 + 72 = 140

In this annual inter-club friendly match, Leek hosted their North Staffordshire neighbours Newcastle Golf Club, and prevailed by the narrow result of a 4-3 win.

The trophy, strangely called ‘The Cheesecloth’ is understood to have been introduced during Simon Nadin’s year as club captain. A quirk of this trophy is that the LOSERS take possession of it, and therefore Newcastle retained it for the second year running.

The weather forecast was poor, and most players ventured out in full waterproofs. Much to everyone’s surprise the inclement conditions eased somewhat, and a fairly pleasant afternoon was had by all. The course had been set up for very fast greens, to shock and surprise Newcastle, but the damp conditions put paid to that idea. 

There were 14 players on each side, and thanks go to all who played. Without their support this kind of fixture simply would not be sustainable.

The banter flowed at the dinner tables, where an excellent lamb shank was served, with captain Trevor Eccleston speaking enthusiastically about the history of this fixture, the friendships created and perpetuated, and his desire to see past captains and presidents wearing their blazers at the reverse fixture on the 13^th July.

The details of the individual matches were as follows:

Trevor Eccleston & Lincoln Boulton  - won

Mike Wootton & Paul Bradley - won

Paul Douglas & Stephen Wales - lost

Andy Baxter & Dave Griffiths - lost

Graham Cook & Alan Harrison - lost

Brian Cockersole & Ralph Harrison - won

Tony Brindley & Ken Hewitt - won

Thank you once again for all who took part.

Monday 18th May 2015

The annual challenge between the Leek Captain Trevor Eccleston and his Vice-Captain Andy Baxter took place on Saturday 2^nd May.

To get thirty-six golfer together at the same time and place took considerable planning, but after a few phone calls all were assembled for this ‘friendly’ challenge.

Tradition plays a large part in this event, as reflected by the fact there were nine past presidents and eight past captains, as well as current club officials. Among the ‘newbies’ to this event were Ian Beeson, Mike Andrews, Rob Brunt, Mark Robinson, David Smith and Ken Hewitt- a real mixture of talent assembling for the day ahead.

After playing, the players chatted and swapped stories in the clubhouse, and then enjoyed an excellent meal of carrot and coriander soup, braised steak and a choice of sweets.

Trevor stood up and spoke eloquently about his particular game, also expanding to relate a story about his recent trip to Scotland. At the very end he quietly whispered that his team had won four matches, and it was left to Andy to inform those in attendance that the actual score was five-four in favour of the vice-captain. He also thanked his team for starring for him, and for making the effort to support the day.

For those reading this report who didn’t play, please try and support the club for all these friendlies, as they are very rewarding, and creates a brilliant atmosphere.

The details of matches were as follows:

Trevor Eccleston & Graham Cook  lost to  Andy Baxter & Mike Andrews

Lincoln Boulton & Mick Barker beat Ralph Harrison & Ian Beeson

Dave Gallimore & Neal Parton beat Peter Cordon & Ken Hewitt                

Don Eardley & Roy Emery lost to Paul Bradley & John Cooper

John Rogula & John Carr lost to Tony Brindley & Frank Colclough

Tony Lovatt & Warren Alcock beat Rob Brunt & Mark Robinson

David Robinson & Mike Wootton beat George Tatton & Dave Weaver

Dennis Parkes & Alan Whitfield lost to Tony Swindells & David Smith

Dave Allen & Bob Woollaston lost to Brian Baggaley & Roy Morris

Thank you once again for all who took part.

Brocton Hall GC vs. Leek GC

Saturday 18^th April 2015

Captain Trevor Eccleston took charge of twenty-four keen and enthusiastic golfers, when they visited Brocton Hall GC on Saturday. This was the first leg of a double header against a well-respected club, whose course condition was anticipated to be just ahead of Leek’s, with a sincere warm welcome from Brocton.

Both teams were playing for the Brian Baker/Frank Cutts Claret Jug, a trophy going back to the mid-eighties, and currently in Leek’s possession.

Despite a few late cry-offs, Leek had assembled a solid number of players, including some newcomers to this fixture, but thanks must be extended to all who played, and for supporting the club in this way. This type of fixture is to be a regular feature throughout the year, home or away, and can be such a rewarding experience for all concerned.

A lot of the results were not decided until the final hole or two, and others were equally close, but Leek ended up losing 9-3 to Brocton, who certainly made the most of home advantage.

There are too many names to mention, but ‘well done’ to George Tatton and Dave Weaver, Ross Martin and James Hutchinson, and Andy Baxter and Dave Gallimore for coming out on top in their respective games.

We will certainly have to work hard on the reverse fixture on Saturday 8^th August, but a good victory is not insurmountable.

What is undeniable is that the positives resulting from this kind of event seals friendships, allows old rivals to get together, and creates goodwill between two clubs from different parts of the county.

Thanks again for all who took part, despite the result.

Andy Baxter

Vice-Captain

PREFERRED LIES

AS OF FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2015

THE CONCESSION TO TAKE PREFERRED LIES 'THROUGH THE GREEN' IS WITHDRAWN

WINTER RULES (i.e. preferred lies on closely mown areas) remain in force

M Barker - Match Secretary (26/03/2015)