Baltic Exchange Golfing Society versus Cardiff Exchange

Last weekend at Dartmouth G.C. the Baltic Exchange Golfing Society was the host team versus the Cardiff Exchange Golf Society in the 99th match to be held between these two venerable societies. With the teams all in situ by Friday, the majority of the Baltic and three from Cardiff, all played 18 holes on the Championship course in sunshine to get some useful knowledge of the sloping fairways and tricky greens. Friday's friendly warm-up was won by Jim Stewart who managed an astonishing 44 points - well done! As ever old friendships were rekindled over a few drinks and Friday dinner, whilst pairings and team order were tactically decided by the two skippers, Simon Cox and Phil Johnson, for Baltic & Cardiff respectively.

Two rounds were played on Saturday again in sunshine and perfect conditions. The morning 18 holes were played on the Dartmouth course in foursomes led out by the Baltic's Malcolm Walker & Chris Henderson, who managed to win their match versus Pricey & Jones. The second match also went to the Baltic with Wilko & Jim Stewart comfortable winners over Will & Robert Atkin. Dartmouth player Tony King, guesting as a Cardiff man, partnered Stumpy to beat messrs Poyntz & Brewer but skipper Simon Cox and Nigel Whaler narrowly edged past Bryn & Gareth putting the Baltic 3-1 up. The next match went to Cardiff with President Robert & Penders going down 3&1 To Ollie "the 165 yard wedge" Watkins and Dan O'Sullivan and the final pairing of Jacko & Big Trev ended in a gentleman's half. Morning score was 3 ½ to 2 ½ in favour of the Baltic.

After a short lunch, the afternoon singles matches were played in four balls, with Wilko leading the way against an inspired Will, keen to make amends for his morning loss. Will was on fire and bagged an early point for Cardiff, could this be a classic fightback? Judging by the second match where Jeremy Brewer comfortably beat Robert, the Baltic were back in the driving seat. A very cordial half in the Captain's match saw Phil retain the tankard. Sadly for Cardiff the momentum went with the Baltic as they reeled off the next five matches, Poyntzy won on the 17th against John Price (creating the wise-crack of the w/e "what do Poyntz make? - Prices !"). Jim Stewart played another blinder with a 7&6 victory, Malcolm won on the 18th , Hendo beat Stumpy on the 16th, Andy won on the 17th. Penders playing for Cardiff squeezed past CEO Jacko on the 16th and President Robert, Big Trev & Nigel all halved their matches giving a score of 8-4 to the Baltic and overall 11 ½ to 6 ½ win for the Baltic.
There was not much time left to get into Black Tie for the customary Saturday dinner which also includes the drawing of the pairings for the final round on Sunday where Baltic & Cardiff players are partnered in 18 holes of Greensomes on the Championship course. The hotel served up another excellent meal and the pairings were duly drawn by the two captains. And, as ever, there were some eagerly anticipated pairings being discussed over the customary "barbarian" (a favourite of Hendo).

The Sunday round was delayed 35 minutes due to fog, which could have been put to better use with extra sleep had any of us known! With the chillier conditions, there were still some hardy stalwarts in shorts and short sleeve golf shirts, whilst the rest had wind proof jackets and long trousers. Clearly some excellent golf was played and the scoring was very competitive, with the sunshine making a welcome appearance for the final few holes. Eventual winners were President Robert Gemmell & Tony King with an impressive 41 points. In 2nd place was Big Trev & Gareth Lloyd on 38 points and after a countback 3rd place went to CEO Jacko & Dan O'Sullivan with 36 points.
Overall it was a most enjoyable weekend with everyone agreeing the venue looked after all our needs superbly and the courses gave suitable challenge to all our levels of golf, most of us very grateful that buggies had been booked for all the rounds. Roll on 2023 when it will be the 100th match and held at Royal Porthcawl G.C.

ENDS