Peebles FC Seniors Section - Blog
Seniors Take A Trip Down The Tweed To Triumph
/An away day for Team Peebles on Monday. In glorious Bank Holiday sunshine we visited the quirky nine hole St Boswells track, on the banks of the Tweed. The home team had "issues" raising the requisite numbers, so Peebles had travelled with 4 extra squad members. On the day Jim"RVW"Lyle scheduled the wrong day and St Boswells had two players parachuted in very late from other clubs.
Starting at 5 different tees, the order of play was fluid. In terms of reports it played out as follows.
David Wright & Brain"Shooter"Robson from the 5th had a close fought encounter with St Boswells captain's pairing. The spoils were shared. Match halved.
Geoff"Corgi"Lawson with Jim"Chariots"Cutler started at the 3rd. That meant a three time hill climb up to the clubhouse. Irrespective of that & playing against a very youthful senior, they took the match - winning 1up.
Team Ian's, playing against our own Brian"Chirpy"Taylor, headed out from the picturesque 2nd. At one point 3 down - predominantly to the Peebles factor - they fought back superbly to secure a half.
From the 1st, Neil"Bom Bom"Byers & Ian"Creed"Tate were our most assured pairing and romped home to a 3&2 victory. Yet another scalp for our very own assassin.
Following them out, Stevie Matthews was supported by late replacement Sam"The Man"Walker. Their match appeared to be a procession, 4 up after 6 holes, then both inexplicably lost the plot. It was only with a par at the last hole that they secured their match, winning 1up.
Finally Vic Roberts & Alan Jackson were off out against Peebles Ken Davey and his home team partner (apparently). In essence it was a Peebles v Peebles contest, with Ken coming out on top. Thus St Boswells ONLY points were secured by one of our own.
Lastly a quick mention to Gordon"Wolfie"Fisher. Having travelled as a St Boswell reserve, he was not required, then made up a 5 ball in Stevie's match. Not merely a number however - easily the best putter of that group on what were interesting greens.
So match won by Team Peebles. The record books will show an official score of 4-2, though I am claiming it was in actually 4-1-1. Well done again Ken & yes you’re still most definitely one of us !
Next match v Broomieknowe 22nd May. Please note the tee offs are from 1st & 17th starting at 9am. Meet there at 8:15am. Very tough test. This club will be seeking to redress last season's defeat.
******
That team sheet is already full ! With three reserves also named, I am trying to negotiate increasing numbers dependant on their capacity. Watch this space.
It does however bring into sharp focus the popularity of our seniors matches. Demand is outstripping supply. A far better position to be in than the likes of St Boswells & even North Berwick. However I am very conscious that there are some of our numbers who have yet to secure a slot this season.
This is an issue I am carefully reflecting on.
Peebles continue their good start to the season with a comprehensive victory over North Berwick
/With team captain, Stevie Matthews, playing golf in Turkey, former team captain David Wright took over the duties for the home match against North Berwick. As David is not fully familiar with the various nicknames of the team members, only real names will be used! The match took place in bright and sunny weather but the wind made the conditions quite challenging on some holes.
Peebles got off to a great start with opening pair Geoff Lawson and Jim Cutler dominating their match from the opening holes and winning easily by 6 and 5.
Neil Byers and Andy Tucker had a much harder match and found themselves 2 down with 3 holes to go. A battling finish saw them finishing all square.
The dream team of David Wright and Brian Robson had a tough start to their match against local hero Drew Lowe and his partner Ken Swa. They found themselves 2 down after 8 holes but they eventually found their form and closed out the match on the 15th by winning 4 and 3.
Late sub Roger Scott and his partner Bryan Taylor played well together and they also won 4 and 3 on the 15th hole.
It was a dream debut for Ian Stewart who partnered ‘birthday boy’ Sam Walker. They enjoyed the biggest win of the day by winning 7 and 6.
Last, but not least, Team Ian (Mewett and Pemberton) rounded off a superb performance by the home team by running out winners by 6 and 5.
So Peebles continued their winning start to the 2018 season by comprehensively winning the match by five and a half points to a half point. As always the match was played in a friendly spirit with players from both teams enjoying a great day’s golf on a well presented course and enjoying a great meal prepared by our new caterer, Gary Moore.
We look forward to the return fixture at North Berwick in October.
Next fixture for the team is Monday 7th May at St Boswells.
Team Peebles Start 2018 As They Mean to Continue
/Patrick Reed may have won on Sunday, but everyone really knew that the only masters action in town this week was at Peebles GC, with our senior season opener against Carnwath. A new fixture on the schedule for 2018, it saw many of the team present in their new uniform. For those of you still to select - orders can be made with Steve in the pro shop.
On a overcast morning the team were experimenting with the new split tee off's. Three from the 1st & the other 3 from the 10th. Perhaps still a work in progress, it will be repeated for our next home game and then reviewed.
First out for the 1st were the pairing of Andy "Stato" Tucker & Tom "Ace" Litster. As solid a partnership as could be imagined. So it proved when they returned to the clubhouse with the season first "W" for Peebles.
Next out Ian "Creed" Tate and our very own reserved Yorkshire man Geoff "Corgi" Lawson. It was the latter who played the supporting role as Ian - creed by name, assassin by nature - quietly went about his business to record their 4 & 3 victory.
Third off new pairing of Vic Roberts & Brian "Chirpy" Taylor. Again a seriously sound display form both of our lads to effectively romp home against the visiting captain 5 & 4.
Three matches & three victories - what could possibly go wrong …..
Answer - not much.
Stevie Matthews & Jim "Chariots" Cutler were the first pairing off the 10th. Two up after three holes and dovetailing perfectly they were never down and came in with a 2 & 1 victory against a strong Carnwath partnership. Match point and the honours secured for team Pebbles.
Next out Sam Walker & George Cunningham. Perhaps not a good day at the office for these two stalwarts of the seniors. They fought back valiantly from 4 down to ultimately loose out 2 & 1.
And then there was Team Ian. There apparently is no I in team, however any Peebles squad without it's Team Ian is the poorer for it. A last minute reshuffle in the running order saw Ian Pemberton & Ian Mewett slip back in the schedule to their preferred slot - last out. However the reward was to be matched against Carnwath's best pairing ! Irrespective of their opponents handicap Team Ian battled the entire round and secured a valiant half point.
The history books will therefore show a superb Pebbles win 4½ - 1½ victory. Thanks guys, what a fantastic kick off to 2018.
Next match is home against North Berwick Tuesday 1st May, opponents we beat home & away in 2017. Team sheet will be posted next Tuesday 17th April. That's the same day as our open senior scramble. If you haven't already entered there are still slots available.
In the event that the spring has still not sprung by May Day - I have opted for some swinging fun with the sun on my back out in Turkey. Thus David Wright will be OIC for the match.
NEW SEASON AWAITS
/Gents.
Lots to look forward to with our new season less than 48 hours away.
Can I bring to your attention that with the new season comes knockout competitions. Specifically for us seniors there is the Mascot Bond. This as with all other similar comps this is entered via the club computer, accessed in the foye. The fee is automatically collected from your bar balance, the draw is made after the closing date for entries and then posted on our notice board.
Good luck to us all.
Stevie
ADDITIONAL SENIORS MATCHES SCHEDULED
/Gents,
As promised a further two new fixtures have been secrued for the 2018 season. We will play Carnwath home and away. Respectively Tuesday 10th April & Fridat 7th September.
Updated listing below -
Tuesday 10th April 2018 - Carnwath @HOME
Tuesday 1st May 2018 - North Berwick @ HOME
Monday 7th May 2018 - St Boswell @ AWAY
Tuesday 22nd May 2018 - Broomieknowe @ AWAY
Tuesday 29th May 2018 - Minto @ HOME
Thursday 14th June 2018 - Torwoodlee @ HOME
Monday 23rd July 2018 - Torwoodlee @ AWAY
Tuesday 21st August 2018 - Glencorse @ HOME
Tuesday28th August 2018 - West Linton @ HOME
Friday 7th September 2018 - Carnwath @ AWAY
Tuesday 18th September 2018 - Minto @ AWAY
Wednesday 17th October 2018 - North Berwick @ AWAY
Senior's Golf Uniform 2018
/Good New Year to all our seniors.
What a fantastic year of golf we have to look forward to.
Wee update re. the uniforms for our 2018 season - tops & sweaters.
Your uptake has been steady. Steve is looking to send off a bulk batch for embroidery with the clubs crest and our seniors logo. To this end he has agreed to extend the offer till end of March. This will give the month of April to have the art work undertaken and tops returned before our first fixture against North Berwick at home on the 1st May, all looking as sharp as our golf.
To clarify anyone who found a polo or sweater under their Xmas tree without seniors wording included - theses can be returned to Steve and that will be sent off for the additional stitching to be completed.
Seniors Team Wear
/
You will see that the Seniors fixtures for 2018 have been posted both on the web site and the board.
We had an excellent season last year, however there is always room for improvement. Satisfaction is sought in beating our nemeses form last year - Glencorse & West Linton, this seasons home fixtures.
As with previous years our team sheet will go up for completion, 2 weeks before the fixture.
I mentioned in my end of season review, my idea of a more uniformed approach to our team appearance.
I have negotiated with our pro Steve Johnson a deal for FootJoy polo shirts and Glenbrea jumpers. Both will be logo'd up with club crest and our designation - "Seniors Team". I would request that we adhere to a cooperate colour coding. For the polo's the choice is Red or White. For jumpers the option is Red and as white is not very practical - the other choice is Grey.
Cost for these quality products is £35 for polo's and £55 for jumpers. One of each and the cost is further discounted to £85. There is potential for some funding from the club to support our team and subsidise the kit. This is still being discussed, so watch this space.
These are the ideal Christmas present for the modern man about the course. However time is of the essence with only 21 more sleeps !!
So get into see Steve & Jamie.
Try on the kit to get your right size and it will be under the tree for the big day.
Senoirs 2018 Schedule
/Tuesday 1st May 2018 - North Berwick @ HOME
Monday 7th May 2018 - St Boswell @ AWAY
Tuesday 22nd May 2018 - Broomieknowe @ AWAY
Tuesday 29th May 2018 - Minto @ HOME
Thursday 14th June 2018 - Torwoodlee @ HOME
Monday 23rd July 2018 - Torwoodlee @ AWAY
Tuesday 21st August 2018 - Glencorse @ HOME
Tuesday 28th August 2018 - West Linton @ HOME
Tuesday 18th September 2018 - Minto @ AWAY
Wednesday 17th October 2018 - North Berwick @ AWAY
Still in negotiations with a couple of other clubs to arrange additional fixtures. Watch this space !!
Seniors Team Review 2107
/So gents, another season has come to its conclusion and it's time to review the success we, as Team Peebles, achieved.
In black and white the our results table reads :-
Played 10, Won 6, Drawn 2 and Lost 2. That represents a 70% success rate, which equates to a First Class performance.
For those interested, individual stats will be collated and displayed shortly.
The two matches that perhaps got away from us were the home tie against Minto & away fixture at Torwoodlee. These draws could so easily have been 'W's. A focus for next year?
Highlights must be our away win at Minto, plus the two league victories - home & away against North Berwick. A feat not achieved for some time.
What for 2018?
1. Well, a fixture calendar is being formulated as I write. It will be a carbon copy of this season. I am additionally hoping to expand the number of matches through, of all things my old rugby contacts.
2. For home fixtures we'll be introducing staggered tee offs. Three matches from 1st and the remaining three off the 10th. The intention, to get us in for lunch on mass.
3. Finally, playing other clubs all decked out in their logo'd colours I wonder why should we not compete in the clubhouse as well as on the course? I am keen to project a unified corporate team image. To that end I am in negotiation with our Pro - Steve on a deal for "Senior Team" club polo's and sweaters. The club management, who are more than impressed with our success this year, are interested in supporting the seniors and further discounting these items. All in time for Christmas. Ideal timing for those of us looking for a gift under the tree and the opportunity to sew a seed with family for something we actually need!
So for full information re the contents of your Santa letters watch this space and the senior noticeboard outside the locker room.
Stevie
Team Peebles "Ophelia" hosts North Berwick
/Wednesday came on the back of Hurricane Ophelia and Peebles stormed into North Berwick for our last match of the season, and blew them away.
With Tom"Ace"Litster unavailable Roger Scott partnered Ian Tate in the first match off against the home teams captain & seniors convenor. My use of the word obscene has been limited to my professional career and a certain publications squad! However their 9&7 victory can't be described any other way. What a start.
Next to tee it up - Andy Tucker & Jim"Chariots"Cutler. A solid start from Jim was then matched by Andy as they went into the turn 4up. Back nine saw a stronger showing form the home pair, however these likely lads came in 2up.
Brain"Shooter"Robson with Andy"H"Nelson suffered something of a battering form their opposition. While the eye of the storm covered the rest of our team, they got caught on the wall, spinning out to a 5&4 loss.
Next at the first - Team Peebles very own secret weapon. Brain"RAPTOR"Taylor & George"Phaser"Cunningham were the captains pick and how they rewarded his confidence. Dovetailing perfectly they kept a seasoned partnership at bay. Winners 2&, and with it brought home our prize, a Team Peebles victory.
Team Ian's had been cast asunder, with only Ian Mewett available for this fixture. So it was an ideal opportunity for Stevie Matthews to pair up and bask in some of their glory. Nip & tuck till the 7th, there the Peebles pair pulled clear and secured the point with a par on the 16th to win 4&2.
Final two were Sam Walker & David Barr. They were a much fancied pairing to bring home the points and with it secure our match victory. 2 up at the turn, and cruising, that plan was on course. Then dual registered Drew"AC/DC"Lowe hit a fantastic run of form over the back 9, including a birdie at the 16th. Our lads lost out 2&1.
So a superb away victory 4&2, condemning last season's loss to the record book trash can, and mirroring our home victory 5&1.
Fantastic result guys. So proud of today's team and all 26 who have committed and contributed to this seasons successful seniors campaign. Roll on 2018 !!
North Berwick Teamsheet on 18th October
/Gents - Selection for the North Berwick based on qualification and availability. Meet North Berwick 9:30 for coffee. There is a formal lunch afterwards for which we require dress shirt, tie & jacket. Usual cost £8. See you there.
Allocated time & pairings -
10:09 Roger Scott & Ian Tate
10:18 Andy Tucker & Jim Cutler
10:27 Andy Nelson & Brain Robson
10:36 Brian Taylor & George Cunningham
10:45 Stevie Matthews & Ian Mewett
10:54 Sam Walker & David Barr
Captain Minted with Victory at Minto
/As I write, looking out on a dreich day, it's hard to believe that we travelled to Minto on Tuesday in gorgeous early autumn sunshine. Eager to get back to winning ways after the last two away defeats, and having been held to a draw on our own manor this match was well set up as a strong competition.
Our lead pairing and reunited for the first time this season were last season's top scorers - Brian"Shooter"Robson and David Wright. Once again they got the ball rolling beautifully both physically and metaphorically by securing a hard fought, yet vital opening 2&1 victory.
Roger Scott & Tom"Ace"Litster were next off against what has come to be a very strong Minto line-up. Nip and tuck all the way to the 18th, the frustration of a missed putt to secure the draw was visible to those around. So a loss 1 down balanced the overall scores.
Stevie Mathews and Andy"H"Nelson were teamed for the first time this year, but having played together in other events, appeared a strong partnership. Alas the combination of a very solid Minto crew and our utter inability to read the greens allowed the match run away. Contradicting Scotties famous line - it appears we were able change the laws of physics. So the records will show a 6&5 defeat. Still pars at 17 & 18 were overshadowed by Andy's chip in for birdie at the last hole. Enough to make us believe it's worth returning for another go !
Ken Davey and Vic Roberts formed an excellent partnership, supporting one other perfectly, to maintain the pressure on their opponents, and come home with a 2&1 victory.
Jim Lyle and Sam Walker, though last on paper were back in the clubhouse early, having romped to a stunning 3&2 victory.
So the match score was 3-2 to Peebles as we waited the last pairing on the course to return their score. That fell to Jim"Chariots"Cutler and debutant for this season Geoff Lawson. Their match had gone the distance, finishing for them at the 10th. The result they achieved - match halved - meant Peebles secured the points 3½ - 2½. Boy how your lunch tastes sweeter with a win.
One pair missing for the day "Team Ian's". Once again can I thank them for all their contributions over the season.
Our final challenge is against North Berwick away on 18th October. Selection for this match is via availability, supported by qualifying points accrued throughout our season. Notice for this match will go up super early - this Friday.
West Linton take the Derby Honours
/Last Thursday, Peebles were hosted at West Linton for this seasons "Derby" match. Having comfortably secured a home victory last year some redress was anticipated. A close encounter was anticipated and delivered.
With the first two ties commencing at the 17th - this meant the demanding regulation Par 3, Par 3 finish was the starting point for these matches.
Out first Ken Davey and returning to competitive golf after ankle surgery Alister Lambert. They saw their opponents start 3,3,3,3. Eventually loosing 6&4 they had scored collectively a net 63.
Team Ian's were next step up, to tame the challenge of starting at the 17th. Due to holiday commitments this would be the last opportunity for Peebles very own "Pete & Dud" to partner one another. Alas it was not to end with similar genius comic timing. A loss on the day I down. However over their eight matches played, 6 points returned. What a result. On more than one occasion they have bought the final result for Team Peebles. You’re a fantastic success guys.
Sandy Wood & Jim Lyle were Peebles initial pairing off the first tee. Three up & three to play their match might have thought to have been in the bag. However coming down the final stretch and giving up strokes, they were reeled back and the match was halved.
Roger& Tom"Ace"Litster were our next match out. A close fought encounter throughout they finally managed to close out the game on the 18th to win 1 up. I have been advised that Tom now has the Rules of Golf App downloaded on his abacus !
Next up, Alan Jackson with a seasoned campaigner, yet on his debut outing of the season Graeme"TheVoice"Murray. Again our pairing came up against a very strong Linton team, to whom they lost out 5&4.
Finally Vic Roberts & Stevie Matthews had a titanic battle against their West Linton opposition. Never more than a hole in it till a loss at the 16th, meant Peebles were dormie 2. However a par at both 17 & 18, the latter from Vic with a hideous down braking putt, secured a halved match.
A final tally reflected a tight but competitive match in which Peebles had lost out 2-4. So the "Whipmen" of Linton had upper hand, but this was by no means a lashing.
Next match, our penultimate, is 19th September, once again away at Minto with whom we drew at home earlier in the season. So massive hunger to get one over on them on their track.
First Loss as Peebles Defeated @ Gencorse
/Last season saw Peebles trounce Glencorse at home. A 6-0 whitewash. Clearly the result had stung the men from Penicuik. Retribution was sought and on Tuesday last that's what they achieved, by playing some outstanding golf on their home course.
First out Andy"H"Nelson and Gordon"Wolfie"Fisher were in their own words hammered 6&5. A sad end to the season for Gordon playing his last game before commitments with his one man show at the festival and then seasonal tour to land of the white cloud. On a serious note thanks for all your support "Wolfie".
Next out Brian"Shoter"Robson and Sandy Wood. Two down after 3 holes, to birdies, the score appeared almost to be on the card before they tee'd off. Despite Brian having a net 64 the pair still succumbed 4&3.
Off out third Stevie Matthews & Jim"Chariots"Cutler. A close match - cut and thrust - with no more than a hole in it until the 14th, the "stooriefits" recorded a 3&2 victory. The match was a fantastic and sporting competition, which inspired a cumulative score form the 2 pairs of 3 under par.
That was however the highlight of the day for Team Peebles.
George Cunningham & Sam Walker went down 3&2. Then Ken Davey returning to his old course playing alongside David Barr lost out to their opponents 2&1.
Even Team Ian's - Mewit & Pemberton were unable to curb the course or their opponents and for the first time this year lost a match - the numbers on the board 2&1.
So the Penicuik Huntsmen held the whip hand, galloping to a winning 5-1.
A wee setback for the season, yes, but by no means a disaster.
Next outing this Thursday at West Linton, our Derby game. Another challenge playing a home team who again will be desperate to reverse the beating they took at Peebles last year.
See you there.
Pemberton Plays His Own Tune To Lift The Title
/You will, as keen readers of this blog, recall I have been able to record within the text of my updates the heroics of our very own Team Ian's. However as with all boy band's there comes that need to break free and fulfil a solo career.
So it was last Tuesday. Ian"X Factor"Pemberton struck out, to pursue, one direction new to him. In so doing he took the prize in the Seniors Trophy. Scoring had however gone down to the wire. It was only once the lines were closed and totals could the counted and independently validated that the crown was finally awarded, on count back, with a net 68.
Second, and thus by expectation far more likely to be top of the pops at the Xmas Party - Andy Pearson. I can hear that gravelly voice resonating as I write.