Club Captains Report

To the Welcombe massive, 

We’ve been on our travels over the last month playing various matches, club friendlies and in the Avon League. All have proved tough, especially with the current conditions so most of the games have gone the way of the home team who will clearly have even more of an advantage when the balls are bouncing and running as they are. That said, we did half our Avon League game last Saturday away at Whitefields which was a decent result. We very nearly did the Warwickshire in the same league too, taking four matches to the 18th, but lost narrowly 3 ½ - 2 ½ - Just to put that into context, The Warwickshire are sitting top playing and winning all their games so far – clearly they have a pool three times the size of ours to pick from so great credit to the boys for pushing them all the way.

So, in the Avon League we are currently in third place despite all that, we now have two home games left in that league this year and whilst we won’t catch the Warwickshire we could certainly secure third or even second if the other results go our way and we win those games! Not bad for our first season considering we missed out on one of our home fixtures when Stratford Park withdrew from the competition. But we will be well placed to take it a step further next year, of that I’m sure.

Our top player so far is Mister Iain Lythall followed by the Old Stalwart Mr Hallam! Well done Gents and thanks for your unstinting support throughout, much appreciated and a credit to the Club! It’s the Abbey next a week Sunday so that’s a crucial one and we’ll be fired right up for that!

As for the friendlies, bit of mixed bag and typically all have gone with home form too, so currently we’re sitting at won four, lost three. We’ll try to make some in roads this week against Leamington County away.

One notable highlight however, came at the Forest of Arden, Mr Hogg trying to retrieve balls from a swamp…yes… & He did…Up to his knees!

Lastly, a big word of encouragement and recognition for the efforts that Tom and Billy have been putting in – these guys have had everything thrown at them in the short time they’ve been with us and whilst the weather is great in many respects, it also presents a different set of headaches. I can assure everyone at the club that whilst there are areas of the course which are badly in need of attention, these matters are being discussed at the highest level within the Toplands hierarchy with a view to how they can be both addressed in the short term but more importantly as part of an ongoing longer term plan.

Both Tom and Billy understand the issues and know what needs to happen. Tom keeps me briefed on developments and whilst I think it’s fair to say, we won’t get the course where we want it to be this season now. I do have every confidence in Billy and Tom being able to start to deliver what we’re looking for over the next 12 months and beyond.

I’d also wish to acknowledge the great work of the bar and catering team these days as this aspect of the club has improved 100% over the last 12 months, great Job!

Enjoy the Club Championships.
Cheers,
Tuggers.