1st team report
This was the First game as defending champions against Staffordshire at Hollingwell, team selection was strong with Mitch and Carter Newton coming in for their first match under me, which again shows the depth we have in our squad. Hollingwell looked majestic as always and were fantastic hosts throughout the day. The morning foursomes, as always are massive for confidence, not just for the morning but the whole day and with just one new pairing we were looking very settled. First off was Matt/Jake, who unfortunately lost 2/1, next up was Mitch/Carter who won 1Up after a good tussle, great start on there debuts for me. Liam/Ashley which was a new pairing did really well controlling there match throughout and winning 3/2. Mike/Jacob are very valuable members to this team, since coming this year smashed their opponent’s 6/4, well done boys. Cole/Deano won 1Up in a tight match which was a great tonic for the returning Deano. Notts 4 staffs 1 super start just what we had spoke about before going out! Jake got us underway in the afternoon singles, unfortunately he lost 1 Down after losing the last, Jake showed what this team is all about showing great attitude and determination to fight for his team mates when he was struggling with his game, not once did he give up and even though he lost, he set a tone for the afternoon singles. Next up Mitch, again a real battle he was 3 down when I picked him up on the course looking down and grumpy (this is the norm by the way), he fought back and showed the character needed to succeed at this level and eventually won 2Up, great work Mitch. Carter was out next unfortunately he went down 2/1 after a closely fought match. Matt won 2/1 and was always in control,Liam had reasonable comfortable win 3/1,Cole tried to throw his match away and eventually won on the 18th 1Up more concentration needed Cole!! Mr dependable Mike had an easy day finishing his match 6/5, Mike i thought was a very underrated player when I first bought him in but he has soon earned the respect he deserve’s from his piers and long my his form continue. Ashley had a much needed confidence boosting big win 6/5, this was a pleasing win for lots of reason’s and I hope it sets him up for a good county season. Deano unfortunately went down 2/1 but went down fighting and showed great attitude in not giving up. Jacob was in control early on going 3Up, but his opponent fought back later in the round and put Jacob under a lot of pressure, jacob again like all the guys he never gave up and after going down 18 1down managed to pull of a Halve for the team which was a great result. For me as captain it was great to see the same team spirit and togetherness from last year, this will be needed as well as good and consistent golf if we are to achieve our goals. Next up Worcestershire away, this will be a really tough test as I rate this county highly.
County captain Malcolm Brown