There are three major Norfolk County team knockouts that we sign up for each year. The Myhill Trophy which is for the elite scratch golfer. The Cullington is aimed at handicap golfers and the Barnard Trophy which is the senior version and unlike the others is only played over 18 holes.
Alas, we took a beating in the first round of the Myhill away at Thetford. Wallop strike one.!
The seniors AKA Dad's army battled all the way to the semi-Final which was held last week at the very picturesque Sheringham Golf Club. If golfs not your bag, then it’s an ideal spot for trainspotters.
Our team were beaten by one hole on the day having given shots in every match by a strong Swaffham side and defending champions. A tremendous effort. The important putt was a four-footer on the last hole which lipped out the more I tell the story it horseshoed out and it will be a full 360 degrees twice before we eventually forget it. I doubt poor old Steve Greatrex will ever forget it.
Steve will be able to recall the shot for you along with all the others he and Nigel hit that day. If you care to ask him. A great team effort, so close but alas no cigar! Caister’s gallant team was Chris Reeve, Bryan Smy, Neil Pienaar, Wilf Gibbons Steve Greatrex Nigel Drewery Ian Sperrin, and Kelvin Burns.
If that wasn’t nail-biting enough for you fast forward to Sunday 36 holes of foursomes versus a very capable Royal Norwich Team, the match finished all square! Nathan Ryan and Ian Lardner having to retire with an injury. Caister were adrift going into the last few holes and pulled back a deficit of three to end up all square. Nail-biting stuff!
Captains Ryan and Drewery switched the pairings as the rules permit and sent out Bryan Smy and Chris Fielding to face up to the challenge. It was windy and not a place for faint hearts, the first tee, in a quarterfinal sudden-death playoff.
Royal Norwich had the honour and boomed a drive into the thick of the racecourse. (We have all been there). Chris Fielding, boom, straight down the middle. Happy days and advantage Caister (No shots given on this hole) Royal Norwich second shot from the clag just makes the fairway side of the rail. Step up Bryan Smy the coolest dude on the course. Iron to the green just rolled through but only by a tad.
RN third shot from the semi-rough through the green over the hump near the second tee.
Leaving a difficult chip! He decided to putt it, Clonk! and he’s airmailed the green if you can with a putter, and now they are off the other side of the green. Chris fielding Lags a putt. Royal Norwich makes a Horlicks of the putt back and they shake hands like gentlemen!
Semi Final time.
Caister team: Ian Lardner Nathan Ryan Bryn Smy Chris Reeves Chris Fielding Graham Flower Warren Bensley and Gareth Davies. What a day!
