The University of Lincoln golf team faced their second match against a very strong University of Northumbria team on Wednesday, October 27.
It was always going to be one of the toughest matches of the year for Lincoln, but the team was full of anticipation after a very bright start against Loughborough University.
Lincoln was led off by Rory Dixon playing Nicky Maddison, the reigning UK champion. Dixon played some inspired golf, and even though Maddison was four down through ten, he found himself one down. Lincoln’s front runner continued his impressive form and Maddison couldn’t pull back the early deficit eventually going down three and two.
Second off the first tee was Alex Taylor, who has grown in confidence after a good win in his first match. Taylor was one down with two to play, until two very strong putts from eight feet on the last two holes that gave him a much deserved half.
Lewis Pearce was next to head out. He, however, was unable to withstand the birdie run that occurred in the opening holes and eventually fell to a six and five loss, which is disappointing following his first match win at Loughborough.
Johnny Elliott, who was experiencing his first ever team match, was more than a match for his opponent from tee to green. But unfortunately, where his putting is usually his strongest part, he could not find his usual touch and was putted off the course, losing eventually five and four.
Out fifth was captain Sam Buss and as usual he was playing his standard golf, not giving his opponent any sight of a win. Buss didn’t give him much of a chance in the match and won four and three.
Teeing off last was Jamie Powell who, after playing well in the season opener, had a very poor start to his round and found himself five down through ten. Even though his back nine was better, he still lost two and one.
Despite the spirited performance from the first team, the final result was 2.5-3.5 in favour of Northumbria.
The next match is another difficult one against one of the toughest teams in the Premier North, Central Lancashire, who have started with two wins and already look strong contenders for the league title.