In the interest of developing our younger players and teams, Surrey now have not only an U14 but also U13 and U12 squads. In the U12’s there are players as young as 10 years old now gaining valuable experience at County level.
Chobham GC was the venue for this inaugural combined U12/U13 match against a team from the BB&O. The format of the day was twelve a side scratch FBBB match play with each team fielding six U12’s and six U13’s. Going out in handicap and age order the first three 4balls were made up of U13’s followed by three groups of U12’s.
Surrey’s first pairing of Matthew Greenwood (Capt), and Eoin Leonard played solid golf, working well as a pair against good opposition. With the game very even over the front nine the Surrey boys gradually took control over the back nine, eventually winning 3&2. The second game out saw Jeong Sim and Luke Smith paired up for Surrey, again a very tight game which swayed first one way then the other. All square on the 18th tee it was the BB&O pairing who just managed to take the spoils, although disappointed at losing the Surrey duo can hold their heads high as they battled all the way, never giving an inch. Conor Cull and Mathew Hyatt made up the last U13 pairing and a strong pairing it turned out to be as they totally dominated their opposition running out winners 7&5.
The first U12 pairing of Bryce Campbell and ten year old Scott Murray had a real battled with their opponents, and in the end settled for a well earned half. Next out for Surrey were Zac Jenkins, another ten year old, and Patrick Willard who not to be outdone by the U13’s also totally overpowered their opposition running out winners 7&5. Zac played particularly well and was “player of the day” with several gross birdies. In the last game out Surrey fielded a pair of ten year olds, Callum Denham and Ben Windsor who played well above their age to win 6&5 and complete a fabulous win for Surrey 4 ½ to 1 ½. A great result, well done to all the boys.
All the games were played in a terrific and friendly spirit with the boys from both Surrey and BB&O a credit to their respective Counties, clubs and proud parents.
After the usual meal, speeches and new friends found, the players headed home.
My thanks to not only Chobham GC for hosting the match but thanks also to the Surrey helpers for the day, Carlton, Paul & Guy and the parents who walked round ball spotting and supporting all the players from both teams. Finally thanks to Peter Smith BB&O Manager, for bringing over his team and we look forward to the return fixture in 2011.
Steve McNeill
(Surrey U12/U13 Manager)
The winning Surrey U13 Team
Talking team tactics.....
Practise and a chat on the putting green
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