South East Regional Manager John Edgington reports on the latest clash between the GCMA and the ADGF:
The annual match against our French counterparts ADGF took place at Golf International Barriere La Baule in Brittany on 7th/8th July. Relaxing in a restaurant on La Baule’s wonderful beach on Monday evening after their flight to Brittany the bulldog spirit (amongst others) was evident in the GCMA team.
The heavens opened at lunch time on Tuesday for a steady downpour but just before the afternoon start it relented. In warm fine weather thereafter and with the Blue course in excellent condition albeit a little long for some at 7000 yards it was a ding-dong battle. The GCMA eventually came out on top 4 ½ – 3 ½ with the GCMA National Captain and Chairman leading the way with a fine 5&4 victory against their opponents.
After a couple of refreshing drinks on the terrace it was time for the evening’s gala dinner with some splendid French food and wine to the fore and a stirring call to arms by the South East Regional Captain John Aughterlony for the following day.
The Red course was superb, fortunately not quite as long as the Blue, and the weather for the most part warm and sunny when play resumed early the following morning – too early for one or two of the English players who walked from the Club’s hotel to the Clubhouse!
Despite fielding a very strong side including three scratch players the French side captained by Pierre Peltier was unable to prevail and the GCMA responded magnificently to the challenge to win the singles 8 ½-7 ½ and take the overall match 13-11. The whole occasion was splendid and thanks go to our French hosts and in particular Donald Gregoire from Presteege for his organisation – their hospitality was truly “magnifique” and “entente cordial” prevailed once more.
The GCMA now lead the overall series 7-3 with the French champing at the bit to reduce the deficit next year
By GCMA
