Depleted Spalding 2nd miss the chance to hit summit Scratch League

Spalding Golf Club’s 2nd team missed the chance to go top of the South Lincs Scratch League after suffering a 4-2 home defeat against Belton Park 2nd.

Despite being hampered by the unavailability of some key players, Mark Jones still managed to field a strong team for the Surfleet showdown.

First out was Mark Payne and Simon Rothwell, who stepped up at short notice. Both played solid rounds, but narrowly lost 2&1.

The second pairing of Richard Laud and Simon Horton also lost 3&2, having been all square at the 14th.

The two Phils – Wakefield and Tweddell – managed to put the home team back in the running with a convincing 3&2 win, which was a welcome return to winning ways.

Tweddell, in particular, played some exceptional golf on the day.

The fourth pairing of Dave Perrott and new boy Edward Brand went down to a heavy defeat of 4&2, while the fifth pair of Trev Laud and Miles Foden – who also stepped in at short notice – also lost 5&4 after starting so promisingly.

Mark Jones and Matt Richardson won the last game 4&3 and were two under par as a pair through 14 holes.

With two games to go the league title is still there for the winning.

Captain Jones said: “I would like to thank all the players who stepped in at the last minute.

“A special thanks to Matt Richardson, who came back from a family holiday in Norfolk to play this match.”

• Spalding’s ‘Gents’ team roared to an impressive 4.5-1.5 victory over King’s Lynn in a recent clash at the Surlfeet course.

Club captain Mike Crampton played with the club’s professional Adam Keogh and won their match 4&3. During this match, at the third hole, the King’s Lynn professional James Weight got an eagle, which was matched Keogh.

The same happened at the 13th, with both eagling to halve the hole.

Weight finished the round five under par, while Keogh – with his tail up – finished a fine round of golf seven under par.

Overall results: Mike Crampton & Adam Keogh won 4&3; Andy Reedman & Bob Pearson halved; Steve Watson & David Brotherton lost 3&2; Stewart Sharp & Peter Gooderson won 4&3; John Camm & Maurice Crunkhorn won 2&1; Tony Bray & Dave Ellis won 4&3.

Seniors’ section: Bogey Competition: Division One – 1st Geoff Skinner +3 (overall winner); 2nd John Camm +2; 3rd Rod Hunt +1. Division Two – 1st Monty Britain +3; 2nd John Beba +2; 3rd John Moses +1.