2011 Season
23/08: Match v Wiltshire
The County U14’s defeated Wiltshire U14’s 8 points to 7 in a very exciting final match of the season. This means that this summer they have won four matches out of four and have now gone ten years without defeat.
The Glamorgan side were without two of their lowest handicap players, namely Tim Harry and Dan Pickering, due to back injuries which meant late call-ups for Sean Bartlett and Lewis Thomas for whom this was his first match for the County.
The picturesque Manor House Golf Club is a lovely setting in which to play golf but what a walk! There were a lot of hills and extremely long walks from green to tee but some spectacular holes including the double greened 17th, a 154 yard par 3 straight downhill which created a lot of interest on the day. In the 9-hole morning foursomes all five matches were close but Glamorgan edged the series by three points to two with debutants Cameron Morris and Lewis Thomas both in winning pairs.
After lunch it was immediately clear that overall things would be close as the match-up of handicaps in the individual matches was almost identical. Wiltshire got off to a good start with 5-handicap local player Dominic Patton beating Tom Davies by 3/2. Glamorgan’s experienced top order then came good with impressive wins for Tom Radcliffe, team Captain Jordan Golley, Joe Phillips and Luke Phillips. Therefore Glamorgan needed just one more point to win the match and secure the 100% record for the season. However Wiltshire rallied strongly and won the next four matches to set up an exciting finish. Then, just as everyone was off up the sixteenth in search of the final match, news came through that Lewis Thomas had secured the match-winning point by winning his match 5/4.
After the meal the players were congratulated for their unbeaten record and thanked for their efforts, their team spirit and togetherness as a squad. Let’s hope this isn’t the last time we’ve seen these boys together as a group.
Jamie Pickering was announced as Captain of the U14’s for the 2012 season. Good luck to him and his team next year.
Thanks to Mike Rees for his efforts for the squad throughout the season and to the parents of the players for all their support
Finally many thanks to Wiltshire and Manor House Golf Club for hosting us and being very generous in the provision of buggies for the spectators and practice facilities for the players.
08/08: Match v Gloucestershire
The visit to SHGC for the match against Gloucester was a day to remember 15-20 Miles per hour winds in the morning and pin positions from a Memorial Event for their past Green Keeper, noted for his unique approach to setting pin positions which was held the previous day.
The event was curtailed to 4 Foursomes matches in the morning however with “co-opting” Jamie Pickering of Pontypridd Gloucester managed to field a full team for the singles.
The morning Foursomes were 3-1 to Glamorgan with fine performances from all.
Being fortunate to record some big wins the afternoon singles score of 7 ½ to 1 ½ reflected the relative strengths of the teams on the day. With the overall result of 10 ½ to 2 ½, credit must be given to all that played, the day was packed full of experiences from playing a long (6627yds) course.
Thanks are extended to the South Herefordshire club and Alan Graham the Gloucester U14 Manager for looking after us so well.
04/08 Match v Somerset
The County U14’s recorded their second win of the season with a 13-2 victory over Somerset U14’s at Stockwood Vale Golf Club. As in the previous match against Worcestershire every member of the team contributed at least one point.
Both teams were without their three lowest handicap players due to Reid Trophy commitments so for Glamorgan there were two first-time players namely Max Baker and Hari Pachu whilst travelling supporter James Price of Glamorgan was required to complete the Somerset team due to a late withdrawal of one of their players.
The morning foursomes, over 15 holes not the usual 9 due to the layout of the course, began in truly awful conditions but fortunately the downpour subsided and all five Glamorgan pairs performed solidly to record a 5-0 series win. On hearing the score the County President said “Magnificent If it’s a whitewash I’ll retire”.
The elation of lunchtime soon turned into nervousness when some slightly sloppy play led to the boys being down in six matches at one stage in the afternoon singles. However first man off Tom Radcliffe went five up as he had done in the previous match against Worcestershire. In that game he finished only with a half so it was important this time he that converted his lead convincingly, as he did, to record an early point for Glamorgan. Then Captain Jordan Golley led by example in grinding out a 2/1 victory followed by comfortable wins for Joe Phillips, Matthew Rees and Sean Bartlett.
Luke Phillips was 3 down early on against Kieran Babbage who was Somerset’s best player on the day. Luke fought back to be all square after 12 holes but then the Somerset player turned it on eventually winning 2/1. In game 7 Max Baker fought hard but went down 3/2 and in games 8 and 9 it looked bleak with Jamie Pickering 2 down with 3 to play and Nathan Williams well down early on. But there’s a bit of steel in these two ‘Ponty boys’, Jamie won the last 3 holes to win saying he was disappointed not to have birdied the last and Nathan who was one up playing the last did just that holing from 20 feet to record a 2 holes victory. Great stuff.
Meanwhile in game 10 Hari Pachu , again having been 3 down early on, came back well to win 3/2 to complete an 8-2 singles series win for Glamorgan with an overall result of 13-2.
This performance confirms the strength in depth of Glamorgan U14’s golf and is a testament to the systems put in place by Mal Roberts with the U14’s and Roger Jones with the pre-U14 nursery squads. The future is indeed bright for Glamorgan golf.
Overall a good performance again but whereas pre-match the talk was the importance of course management, post-match discussion concerned learning from this encounter about how to react to a large foursomes lead in order to continue good form going into the singles.
A big thank you to Somerset and Stockwood Vale for hosting us, thanks to Teg Bevan and Mike Rees for all their good work, well done the players and on to face Gloucestershire at South Herefordshire Golf Club on Monday 8th August.
25/07 Pontypridd: Match v Worcestershire
The County U14’s began their 2011 campaign with a 12.5 – 2.5 points win over Worcestershire U14’s at Pontypridd Golf Club. It was an excellent all-round performance with every member of the team contributing at least one point.
The day started brightly with the sun shining and the Pontypridd Golf Club looking its very best. Many thanks go to the Greenkeepers for the condition of the course and to junior leader Ian Pickering for the way he set up the first tee as well as provision of fruit and water for the teams.
The morning foursomes over 9 holes resulted in the County taking a 4.5 – 0.5 points lead. Only a birdie 2 at the 9th hole by the Worcestershire 4th pair prevented a whitewash.
Tom Davies led off in the afternoon singles over 18 holes and although down early on he fought back against a big-hitting opponent to gain a good half against Worcestershire’s top player. Local Dan Pickering and team Captain Jordan Golley recorded comfortable victories in games 2 & 3 and it looked as though Tom Radcliffe would do the same but his opponent rallied strongly to snatch a half.
In game 5 Luke Phillips went 3 down but came back after being told by the County Chairman to show some ‘Valley’s grit’ and eventually won 3 &1. In game 6 Joe Phillips showed great fighting spirit to get back from 4 down after nine holes to be only 1 down after sixteen holes but in the end ran out of holes losing 2&1.
Game 7 saw Matthew Rees establish an early advantage which he converted to a 4&3 victory and then Pontypridd boys Jamie Pickering and Nathan Williams had comfortable wins 5&4 and 4&3 respectively. In game 10 Sean Bartlett won 6&5 including a spectacular eagle 2 at the par four fifth hole.
The 8-2 singles win completed the 12.5 – 2.5 final score-line. A fine dinner followed where the officials from both counties were profuse in their thanks to Pontypridd Golf Club for their welcome and hospitality. Many thanks to the catering staff and to Derrick Thomas for his photography of the days play that kept everyone entertained in the build-up to dinner.
Simon Swales, Professional at Radyr Golf Club, who attended on behalf of the County coaching programme said that he had seen some very good golf and was impressed with the overall standard of play. He felt that the Glamorgan players were technically quite sound but would just remind the guys to stay patient during their matches, worry about their own games and to remember to stick to pre-shot routines under pressure.
Overall a very satisfying performance, a match contested in the very best of spirits, with the boys continuing to enjoy good team spirit well done all and now we look forward to the next match against Somerset
Squad meeting at the Grove G C Sunday 20th March 2011
The rescheduled stableford competition started in bright sunshine with the 21 boys eager for Starter Mr Mike Rees to call each 3 ball to the first tee. It did not take long after the 11.15am start for things to begin to happen. Daniel Pickering (Pontypridd) had an eagle on the 5th hole and after 9 holes he had amassed 22 points. But the rest of the field were not prepared to let him get away from them and some very good golf ensued. With the sun disappearing and a very cold wind blowing across the course, things became a little more difficult. However, the battle became more intense with other players catching Daniel, who in the end had to settle for third place with a total of 36 points. The second place was taken by Luke Phillips (Bargoed) with 37 points and the winner also with 37 points, but winning on the back 9,was Joe Phillips (Gower).
Well done to all the participating boys, who had a superb meal afterwards and I know that they all really enjoyed themselves. Our thanks to the Club Captain, Mr John Davies and the officials at The Grove for allowing us the courtesy of the course on a Sunday morning.
Mal Roberts U14 Team Manager
2010 Season
Friendly v Gloucestershire at Aberdare G C - Monday 9th August 2010
In conditions not really suited to golf with drizzle and sometimes heavy rain, the U14s provided yet another fine win against a good Gloucestershire team.The morning foursomes finished 4.5 - 0.5 in our favour. In the afternoon singles we witnessed some extremely close matches with three going to the 18th green, but we eventually came through by 7.5 - 2.5 giving us an overall win by 12 - 3. An outstanding feature was that we fielded a team of ten boys all with single figure handicaps - this was a result for the coaching we provided throughout the winter and early part of the season. Another outstanding feature is the comaraderie of all the boys in the U14 squad. Our grateful thanks to the Aberdare Golf Club for allowing us to play on a well manicured course and also for the courtesy of its members. The catering was once again first class. Our thanks also to our opponents who were gracious in defeat.
Mal Roberts
Friendly v Wiltshire at Whitchurch G C - Sun. 20th June 2010
Another great result for our Under 14s team against a very determined Wiltshire side. The scoreline of 11 matches to 4 in our favour would suggest an easy victory for us, but nothing was further from the truth as our opponents fought every inch of the way. We won the morning foursomes by 3.5 matches to 1.5 and the afternoon singles by 7.5 to 2.5. Some very good wins by individual Glamorgan Juniors showed a really good squad effort, as three of our top players were unable to play. We wish to thank Whitchurch Golf Club for presenting a superb course and great catering. All in all it was a very successful day, blessed with very hot sunny weather - the camaraderie between the teams will stay with them for a very long time. We look forward to playing Gloucestershire in our next home match at Aberdare G C on Monday 9th August, and hoping to continue with our very long unbeaten run of matches.
Friendly v Gwent at Parc G C - Sunday 9th May 2010
Glamorgan, missing two of its top players, defeated Gwent by 10 matches to 5 on a cold, windy and overcast day. The Course proved to be a good test of golf, with lots of water hazards making Course Management a top priority. There were late call ups to the Glamorgan team for Tom Davies and Luke Phillips, and in the foursomes, which was won by Glamorgan by 3.5 to 1.5, they halved their match against a good pair. The afternoon singles started exceptionally well for us with four wins in the top five matches, and with three halved matches and a win in the remaining five matches we won the singles by 6.5 to 3.5. Well done to all the boys for a good performance and for maintaining our long unbeaten sequence. The next match is against Wiltshire at Whitchurch Golf Club on Sunday 20th June 2010.
Swansea Bay Squad Meeting - Tuesday 6th April 2010
The annual Matchplay meeting was held on an overcast day with a very strong wind blowing across the course, making golf interesting to say the least. One of the 16 boys did not appear and so the "man from Afghanistan", Major Terry Harman stepped into the breach playing off a 9 handicap, but his opponent James Grainger (Radyr) proved too strong winning 5/4. Our thanks to the Major for making up the numbers. Other notable performances were from Joe Hill (Whitchurch), and Sam Harry (VOG) who also captained the "B" team to a 5-3 victory. The overall winner,however, was the camaraderie of this fine squad who thoroughly enjoyed the day and the competitive spirit it was played in. Our thanks to Swansea Bay Golf Club for the use of its fine course, which produced comments from all the boys on its excellent condition and fast greens. Our thanks also to the Caterers and Bar Staff for keeping us fed and watered.
Introductory Meeting at Brynhill Golf Club -Wednesday 17th February 2010
On a cold and very damp morning 17 boys attended the meeting, which was opened with words of wisdom from Junior Chairman Roger Jones followed by an inside view of golf on the European Tour from Tour Professional Kyron Sullivan, a former Brynhill and County Junior.
With these thoughts in mind the boys set off to play a stableford competition reduced to only eight holes because of the weather. Despite the conditions some very good scores were produced. The winner was Kyle Harmon (Cottrell Park) with 20 pts, followed by Jack Powell (Morlais Castle) 19pts who beat Sam Harry (VOG) on countback for 2nd place.
Our thanks go to the Caterers for a splendid meal, and to the Captain and Vice Captain of Brynhill for allowing us the use of the course. The Captain, in his welcome speech, complimented the boys on their smartness and good behaviour both on the course and in the Club House. The County would also like to thank the parents/grandparents for getting the boys to the course - without them, such memorable days would not take place.
Mal Roberts
U14s Team Manager
2009 Season
Friendly v Somerset at Tall Pines GC,Bristol - Weds.19th August 2009
Unlike the Wiltshire match, the morning foursomes began in glorious warm sunshine on a very picturesque Tall Pines course alongside Bristol Airport. However the first two foursomes went exactly the same way as the Wiltshire match with the home team winning both. At one stage it looked as if the County would have a hefty deficit at lunch with Lewis Jones and Joe Hill two down with three to play, but with a gutsy display and good golf they won all three holes. Tom Evans and James Grainger also won their match and the foursomes finished all square. Somerset, who were missing their top two players, came out of the blocks quicker than us again in the afternoon singles and were soon ahead in four of the top five matches. Some fine golf was played by both teams despite a nasty crosswind but putting proved difficult on very fast greens. The fighting qualities of our young juniors were exemplified by Tim Harry who was three down with four to play, but a birdie,birdie,birdie, par finish gave him an excellent win on the last hole."Sweater Boy" Alex Matthews also made a good comeback - halving his match after being two down with three to play. There were also good wins for Tom Beale, James Gronow and Tom Evans, and another for debutant Jonathan James (Llanishen) who made a very good start to his County golf career. Both teams played with great spirit and sportsmanship and we were very pleased to come away with a win against a very young and talented Somerset team.
The County team was pleased to maintain its unbeaten seven year run especially for Mal Roberts, their Team Manager, who was unable to travel due to his hospitalisation. The boys wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in action again shortly - they missed his jokes!!!
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See photograph
Friendly v Wiltshire at Marlborough G C - Thursday 30th July 2009
The morning foursomes were played in wet and windy conditions on a lush Marlborough golf course. The home team made a very good start by winning the opening two matches,but Glamorgan quickly replied with the next two. The final match went to the last green with Glamorgan one up but a missed putt enabled Wiltshire to obtain a half and the teams went into lunch tied at 2.5/2.5. Unlike the foursomes the afternoon singles started in bright sunshine, and this obviously spurred on Wiltshire who won four of the first five matches - Alex Matthews being Glamorgan's winner. Comfortable wins for James Gronow and Tom Evans brought the County back into the contest but when Lewis Jones lost, Glamorgan had to win the two remaining matches to retain it's 7 year unbeaten record. Josh Jones won his match on the last hole leaving his team's fate in the hands of young James Grainger (Radyr), making his County debut. James went one up on the 17th and with a large crowd watching, including his nerve- racked father, he played the par 5 eighteenth hole perfectly being on the green in regulation figures. His young opponent Jamie Amor, however had other ideas and he played his 4th shot from 50 yards to a couple of feet giving him a par. James however kept his nerve and comfortably two putted to preserve that unbeaten sequence, much to the delight of his team-mates and Under 14 Manager, Mal Roberts. A debut to remember!!!
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Friendly v Gloucestershire at Lydney GCSunday 28th May 2009
On another scorching day Glamorgan had another very good win against Gloucestershire at Lydney.The morning foursomes were closely contested with Glamorgan leading narrowly by 3 matches to 2.Some very good golf was played in the afternoon singles with the Glamorgan boys notching up some big wins. The singles were won by 7 matches to 3 giving an overall victory of 10-5. Thanks to Lydney GC for producing a pretty and well manicured course and for their hospitality.
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Friendly v Gwent at The Grove Golf ClubSunday 10th May 2009
On a glorious day a very competitive match took place between the two Counties and some very good golf was played by both teams. The 7.5/7.5 scoreline was a true reflection of the match with Joe Hill (Whitchurch) ensuring the draw for Glamorgan by winning the last match out on the course by 2&1.Many thanks to all at The Grove for producing a very good course and some excellent catering, and to their Captain Mike Rees for his support. Simon Swales, Professional Radyr, was in attendance to analyse the Course Management of the boys whilst they were playing. He will report back to the County Junior Executive with his comments on the individual boys.
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Squad Meeting Whitchurch GC 27th April
12 boys attended with the sole purpose of selecting a ten man team to play in the forthcoming fixture against Gwent. The format was singles matchplay and proved a worthwhile exercise in helping team selection. The squad is very competitive and a good team spirit has been engendered with each boy feeling a part of the squad. Thanks to Whitchurch GC for the use of the course and to the caterers for the food boxes provided.
Squad Meeting Swansea Bay Feb 17th
16 boys took part in the second U-14 squad session at Swansea Bayin the half term. The format, matchplay off scratch with players paired by handicap, produced extremely competitive games with four of the eight matches being decided on the eighteenth green. This was then followed by a discussion session where the players assessed their opponents strengths and weaknesses, which was both informative and beneficial, with the positives and negatives to be given to the players' respective coaches purely for feedback purposes.
The U14’s captain, Tim Harry, thanked the Captain and members of Swansea Bay for the use of their course and facilities. Another squad session has been arranged at Radyr Golf Club towards the end of April in preparation for the first County match against Gwent at the Grove Golf Club on Sunday 10th May.
Squad Meeting Brynhill Jan 2nd
Brynhill Golf Club hosted the first county event of the 2009 season, with an Under 14 squad session, held on January 2nd.
County Chairman Mike Evans welcomed 15 young golfers and parents to the day, and briefly outlined the full programme for the season, and introduced Mal Roberts the Under 14 Squad Manager. He informed the players of the U/14 teams' impressive record , and told them how the coaching and squad sessions that had been arranged would help in choosing teams for the team's matches in 2009. Tim Harry (Vale of Glamorgan) was named team Captain. With only two players available from last year's team, it was felt that Tim's experience of Inter-County matches would be invaluable. Tim's elder brother Sam, was named vice-captain.
The boys then played a 12 hole competition, in testing conditions, with John King and Mike Evans assisting County Junior Secretary John Collins, and Mal Roberts assess the players' potential. Fittingly t the day's best score of 24 points was recorded by 11 year old Tim Harry (H/C 8).
A vote of thanks was given to the Captain and Committee of Brynhill Golf Club for permission to user the course and facilities. Another session has been arranged for the February half-term.
2008
Match v Somerset at Whitchurch 22/08/08
On a glorious day at Whitchurch Golf Club, Glamorgan Made an excellent start by winning the morning foursomes by 5 matches to nil. The afternoon singles matches proved to be much closer with Glamorgan not managing to win one of the four matches that went to the 18th green. However they did prevail by 5.5 - 4.5 matches giving an overall win of 10.5 - 4.5.This was a very good win against a very competitive Somerset team.
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Match v Wiltshire at Aberdare 27/07/08
On a very warm summer's day at the Aberdare Golf Club, The Glamorgan Under 14 team defeated a very useful Wiltshire side by 8.5 to 6.5. Glamorgan fielded three debutants in Jamie Griffiths, Oliver Price and Lloyd James. All three made significant contributions to the team on a well deserved win.
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Match V Gwent at Llanwern 21/07/08
After a titanic battle in the morning foursomes Glamorgan took a lead of 3-2 into the afternoon singles against a young and talented Gwent team. Played in glorious warm sunny weather the majority of the singles games proved equally as close and absorbing, with six of them going to the 18th green. This final hole proved decisive for Glamorgan as they lost only one of those games , and they managed to win the singles by 6 games to 4 giving them an overall victory of 9 games to 6. Congratulations and well done to both teams on an excellent match played in a friendly and sporting manner throughout.
Match v Gloucestershire U/14's
County win 12 1/2 to 2 1/2
Brynhill 30th May:
Foursomes: Glamorgan enjoyed a 4 - 1 advantage after the morning's foursomes
Glamorgan continued their dominance in the afternoon singles coming out 8 1/2 to 1 1/2 victors and taking the match 12 1/2 to 2 1/2.
Joseph Francis (Llantrisant) 5 down after 8 staged a remarkable recovery to be 1 up after 17. However his opponent then rallied with a birdie 4 to earn a half.
In the next match Glamorgan play Dyfed at Morlais Castle on July 20th.
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