The RAF 'A' team played a strong Army developmental team at Studley Wood Golf Club on Mon 27 Jul 09. The 10-man teams played 4-ball better-ball in the rain of the morning, followed by singles matches in the sunny afternoon on an excellently prepared Studley course. After the morning session, the RAF 'A' trailed by 2 matches to 3 but were quietly confident entering the afternoon singles, in much improving weather. However, the strength and experience of the Army team, including the current Army champion (who, in Rick Smart, is uniquely also a past RAF golf champion) and at least one other former Army champion, proved too much for the hard-battling RAF players. The Army team dominated afternoon proceedings with only John Duke, recently returned from Cyprus, picking up a victory while Glen Roberts was unlucky not to convert his 1/2 point into a win. Unfortunately, captain for the day and RAF golf stalwart, Mal Wray, playing his last competitive RAF match was forced to withdraw during the afternoon round with a recurring wrist injury. Our best wishes go to Mal as he leaves the RAF.

Results:

Morning 4-ball better-ball:

• Adam Thornhill & John Duke (Lost 1 down)
• Jago Jones-Rogers & Neil Warwick (Won 4 & 3)
• Nat Simpson & Steve Beveridge (Won 6 & 5)
• Alex Stones & Glen Roberts (Lost 4 & 3)
• Mal Wray & Mark Slinger (Lost 1 down)

Afternon Singles:

• John Duke (Won 6 & 5)
• Glen Roberts (halved)
• Remainder of team (Lost)

Final Match Score:

• RAF 'A' = 3.5 pts; Army = 11.5 pts