University of Lincoln’s golf first team got their first win of 2011 as they beat University of Central Lancashire 3.5-2.5, on Wednesday, February 2nd.
Only a week before Lincoln had lost to Northumbria University and went into the match with Central Lancashire needing a victory to sustain any chance of reaching the end of season national knock-outs.
Yet their Lancashire opponents arrived at Woodhall Spa occupying top spot of the table and, having beaten Lincoln earlier in the season, they knew a repeat could be on the cards.
The familiar partnership of Rory Dixon and Alex Taylor played off the first tee for Lincoln. Dixon had the task, once again, of taking on one of the best players in university golf – this time it would be Michael Hearn.
Given the task he was up against, Dixon played exceptionally well and after making a birdie on the last hole he halved his tie. Taylor on the other hand was playing some inspired golf but never got close enough to his counterpart and eventually went down to a two and one defeat.
Out second for Lincoln was the pairing of captain Sam Buss and Christian Swann. Both of them went off the first tee and immediately got to work, shutting their opponents out with some solid matchplay golf. Both rubbers never looked a doubt and the two home players closed out their match two and one.
Jonny Elliott and Jamie Powell headed out last for Lincoln knowing that one point was all that they required if they wanted to win the fixture. Yet Elliott knew what he needed to do and couldn’t have started better than he did. At the turn he found himself in a commanding position five up, and even though his opposite number made a brief come-back, Elliott sealed victory for Lincoln two and one.
So with the victory secured it was up to Powell to further Lincoln’s lead in the dead rubber. However, he couldn’t replicate his partners success and lost the final match one down.
Lincoln now lie in 4th place in the table, six points clear of Newcastle University who currently find themselves bottom of the league.
Next up for Lincoln is a fixture away to University of Birmingham at Edgbaston GC. It will be a tough contest as Birmingham currently top the Premier division but, with spirit in the Lincoln camp at a high, another win is not unthinkable.
Congratulations Lincoln! Shame to see Alex Taylor losing, what a quality player he is. Sounds like Dixon had a good game, just a team full of strength in depth.