Cumbria v Cheshire 10th May 2025
The Cumbria Men's team began their Northern Counties League season on Saturday against Cheshire at Workington GC.
The visitors had come close to winning the league in the past 2 years and Captain Simon Young was expecting tough fixture. Both sides had picked strong teams, Cheshire fielding the young England international Dan Hayes along with past Lytham Trophy winner Josh McMahon who had recently returned to the amateur scene after a spell in the professional ranks. Cumbria were able to select Will Coxon, fresh from his recent victory in the prestigious Edward Trophy held over the Gailes Links course. He would pair up in the foursomes with Cumbria stalwart and current Men's Captain of Workington GC, Will Bowe.
The weather on the day could hardly have been better, a bright sunny day with just enough breeze to make it interesting. The West Cumbria course was in fine condition for the match.
In the morning foursomes Messrs Coxon & Bowe got the home side off to the best possible start when they defeated Hayes & McMahon 2&1. This was closely followed by home member Jack Hunter & current Cumbria Strokeplay Champion Kieran Waters dispatching their opponents by 4&3. Although going down in the 3rd game, Cumbria hit back in the 4th through Jack Stubbings & Lee Sturrock who just edged a topsy turvy game on the last green, courtesy of a stunning approach to 8 feet by Sturrock when the pressure was on. The Cumbrians were well beaten in the final 2 foursomes games meaning the match score after the morning session was 3-3 with all to play for in the afternoon singles.
A good number of spectators had come out to support both teams and they were treated to some excellent golf across the whole day.
In the afternoon singles the top 2 games were halved before Jack Hunter got a full point on the board for Cumbria, defeating seasoned Cheshire player Chris Chilton by 3&1.
The next 4 games all went Cheshire's way and the signs were ominous for Cumbria. However, the tail was doing it's best to wag and Seascale's Jack Stubbings came back from 4 down on the front 9 to win his match on the home hole and stop the rot. Experienced players James Atkinson and Craig Morrow added a half and a win respectively but sadly that was the end of the Cumbrian points. Cheshire coming out on top by 10.5 to 7.5.
The Men's next fixture where the team will be looking to bounce back is away to Yorkshire at Scarcroft GC on Sunday 15th June.
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