Monday, 17 August 2026

Seniors away to Letchworth Aug 17 2026

 Organiser Nigel Underwood reports

Today saw the second leg of one of our “local derbies”, Letchworth away, so 16 of JoG’s finest gathered in their striking, Art Deco clubhouse for introductions. 

A tense 4-4 draw at John o Gaunt (see blog, June 30th) had set things up, and a close match was anticipated. A 3 tee start (!) saw all eight matches quickly underway, Letchworth’s normally lush greensward resembling the Carth much more than the Gaunt !

 Having been trounced on our own patch, and playing the same pairing, Captain David and I were perhaps not feeling at our most confident. And so it proved – relentless long, straight driving, allied to accurate irons and local knowledge of the wickedly sloping greens soon had us on the back foot. Our opponents wobbled very slightly after they both ingested massive sausage rolls at the halfway house, but indigestion only lasts so long; the killer blow was their Captain (nett) eagling their index 1 hole, and despite David’s valiant efforts and my occasional contributions, hands were shaken after a half at the 15th; Letchworth  win 4 and 3.

 So to the terrace, and the results flooded in. Two wins for JoG, Neil Pinnington and Paul Conibear, Paul Hammond and Daniel Emkes. But then 2 matches to the hosts. Two halves raised hopes of another 4-4 ... but no, Rob Ebsworth and Gavin Little defeated on the very last green, so 5-3 to Letchworth. 

A splendid buffet lunch raised everyone’s spirits, friendships renewed and strengthened ... and vows to do better next year!

RESULTS;

David Barlow and Nigel Underwood lost 4 & 3

Neil Pinnington and Paul Conibear won 4 & 2

Paul Hammond and Daniel Emkes won 4 & 3

Martyn Graham and Paul Dobson lost 5 & 4

Tony Goodson and Michael Newstead halved

Rob Ebsworth and Gavin Little lost 1 down

Paul Life and Trevor Darrington halved

Barry Donovan and Gerry Degaute lost 4 & 3. 

Overall  Letchworth 5   JoG  3

 

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