Gorleston GC

The expected tough match at Mundesley for the men in the Mail on Sunday Classic second round materialised on Saturday.

The home team won the first two of the five matches against Ray Thomson and Paul Platten before hard-fought victories by Josh Manser and David James brought the match to two games each with only Danny Perring out on the course.

Danny had the unwelcome task of having to concede nine shots on handicap to his opponent which made winning holes on the tight Norfolk course all the more difficult.

However, Danny rose to the occasion and from being level after the 17th in the match he played a sublime wedge shot in to the par four 18th before sinking a three-foot birdie putt for the game and clinching victory for Gorleston by three matches to two.

The eagerly-awaited draws for both the men’s and ladies’ third round opponents were made this week, which brought contrasting fortunes. The men have a home tie against Beccles who they beat away in the first round last year, while the Ladies have the unenviable task of travelling to Aldeburgh to play last year’s beaten finalists in this national competition.

Despite an unfavourable weather forecast there was a very healthy entry of 85 in the Men’s Monthly Medal on Sunday and with every player having to endure rain for all or part of their rounds, some excellent scores were returned. Divisional winners were Stuart Mortimer (Division One) nett 68, Dave Wooden (Division Two) nett 70 and Martin Potter (Division Three) nett 67. The Ladies travelled to near-neighbours Rookery Park for a friendly match last week and returned triumphant after a victory by four matches to one and they hope this success will continue in their next match at home against Eaton Golf Club on March 26.

Hunger for competitive golf carries on unabated at Gorleston and this is once again demonstrated by a full to capacity entry sheet for the revived Todd and Turner Mugs; a fourball better ball Stableford competition which takes place this Sunday with an 8:30 am shotgun start.