Report from Jason Hampton, Devon Men's Captain

The Channel League season kicked off at a sun-drenched Yelverton course on Sunday 19th April. The visitors, Glamorgan, finished level at the top of the table with Cornwall last season, so we knew we were in for a tough day. With Robbie Thompson, Chris Sturman and Jack Philpotts earning their Devon debuts, and the return of the evergreen Alan Gawman, the ever-changing team of last season had even more new faces in it.

The morning foursomes were tight, with the first two matches being exchanged evenly. Dan Rosevear and Ollie Tanton fell early 3&2, but the Tavistock pair of Gawman and Philpotts hit back with a 3&2 of their own. Jake Burnage and Tom Trowbridge finished 2nd in their tussle, but David Blick and Robbie Thompson eased to a 3&2 win. And when the RND Chris’s, Brown and Sturman shook hands on the 17th green, Devon took a 3-2 lunchtime lead. 

The afternoon singles continued to produce some great golf. Dan Rosevear led the team out and almost made the most of playing at his own course. A great birdie on the last denied Gawman a deserved win, but Tanton was on fire, cruising to a 5&4 victory. At this point, Philpotts was 3 up, and both Thompson and Blick were easing to wins, but the middle order was struggling. Burnage, Trowbridge & Sturman were down, and then Brown, hampered severely by a wrist injury, was down and out. Devon only needed half a point from these 3 matches, so someone was going to have to turn their match around with only a handful of holes left. That man was the nerveless Trowbridge - coming up the last all square, he hit an approach to 5 feet (it was no nearer, no matter what he may say!), and hands were shaken without the need for a putt.

So Devon started with a win against a very good Glamorgan side. Many thanks to our hosts, Yelverton, who provided a wonderful golf course, aided by a beautiful Devonshire spring day.

Both Teams and Officials send their grateful thanks to Yelverton Golf Club for providing us with excellent course and clubhouse facilities.

The next match is at Weston-Super-Mare GC against Somerset on Sunday 10th May. 

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