The Stragglers suffered a narrow defeat at Mendip Golf Club on Tuesday 2nd May. Having to give away 40+ shots it was always going to be a tough ask, and with 2 matches being lost on the last green, a 3-2 loss was a a great effort by everyone. The after match meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all judging by the clean plates. Thanks again to all the players who took part.

If you're considering playing Stragglers, please fill your name and contact number on the team sheet which can be found on the club noticeboard.

Avalon A Team vs Farrington Park C – Sun 28^th April 2013

We travelled to Farrington Park for our third match of the season which took place on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon. Farrington C came up from Division 4 last season and had handicaps ranging from 4 to 14. As a result we were once again giving plenty of shots away which ensured that the matches were competitive affairs.

The team and club Captains pairing of Rob Edney & Dave Jukes led the team off for this match against Farrington C’s Captain and his partner, who were both off 14. There was never more than 2 holes in it and it could have been a lot closer if they hadn’t missed a couple of short putts on the back 9, but we took the first match 3&1. Jordan Lawrence and Joe Hearn made a slow start and were 2 down after 6 holes but a run of 6 consecutive holes around the turn saw them ease to a convincing 5&4 victory. Alex Fraser and Neil Jelly continued their good form and overturned an early deficit to run out 4&2 winners. Our fourth pair was Ollie Worts and Ian Longhurst and despite being up for most of the way round they were always going to face a tough task giving away 10 shots, especially when three of these shots were on the last 3 holes. They eventually lost 1 down in a hard fought match. Paul Lewis and Leon Matthews anchored the team and the last match was another close affair with the lead changing hands a number of times. Having seen a birdie putt lip out on 17 to win the match they held their nerve well to par the last and record a 1 up win. This made the final result a fantastic 4-1 away win for Orchardleigh A 

We enjoyed a Full English brunch before we played so there was no after match meal. This didn’t stop Leon upping the ante and taking more fines off us to go towards our Tour at the end of the season. Our next match is at home against Mendip Spring on Sunday 16^th June where we hope to continue our good early season form. 

Avalon A Team vs Taunton Vale A – Sun 21^st April 2013

Our second match of the season saw Taunton Vale A visit Orchardleigh on a cool and breezy Sunday afternoon. Taunton Vale came down from division 2 last season and the handicaps of their team reflected this. However we were still giving 9 shots away overall and the matches were all tight affairs. At the turn we were up by 1 hole in 2 matches, all square in 2 matches and 2 down in the final match.

On the back 9, holes were constantly being traded but one by one we picked off the wins. Debutant Matt Dredge partnered Paul “Tubbs” Ashman to a good 3&2 win in the top game. Leon Matthews and Paul Lewis opened their account for the season with a hard fought 2&1 win. Neil Jelly & Alex Fraser won 3&2 making it 6 wins from their last 7 matches and Rob Edney & Dave Jukes made it 2 wins out of 2 this season with another close 2&1 win. The final match saw Ollie Worts and Joe Hearn come back from 3 down after 8 holes to level the match with Ollie draining a 25 foot putt on the 18^th for birdie. The end resulted was an excellent 4 ½ - ½ win which moves us to the top of the division at this very early stage.

Gail and her staff served up another excellent meal and Leon once again dished out fines ranging from incorrect jacket colour to no club tie. He even managed to fine the Captain for turning up late to his own pre match team talk!! We visit Farrington Golf club for our next match which is on Sunday 28^th April.  

The draws for the summer knockouts have been done and are available on the clubhouse noticeboard. Please be aware of the completion dates for each round as a failure to meet these will result in disqualifications.

Avalon A Team vs Stockwood Vale B – Sat 6^th April 2013

The A Team started their 2013 campaign in Division 3 with a home match against Stockwood Vale B Team. The matches were played in a good but competitive spirit on the best day of the year so far weather wise. It was almost warm enough to play in shirt sleeves!

The matches were competitive affairs but we opened the season with a good 4-1 victory. The opening match was hard fought but Gary Quin and Paul Ashman managed to halve the 18^th to hold out for a 1up win. The match was levelled when Paul Lewis & Leon Matthews went down 2&1 to a very well handicapped pair, but Alex Fraser & Neil Jelly kept up their unbeaten home record with a 3&2 victory and the same result was recorded by Dave Jukes & Rob Edney. Ollie Worts & Ian Longhurst rounding off the matches with a convincing 6&4 win over their opponents to seal the 4-1 win.

Gail and her staff served up an excellent meal and Leon managed to relieve us all of some cash to start off the kitty for our end of season tour. Next match is on Sunday 21^st April at home to Taunton Vale A. 

Mockeridge Cup @ Minehead and West Somerset GC – Sat 13^th April

Orchardleigh were represented by Rob Edney & Paul Lewis (A Team) and Greg Pow & Alex Fraser (B Team) in a stableford paired better ball competition off ¾ handicap. The forecast was for everything but cats and dogs but we got away quite lightly with some very blustery conditions but with just a bit of light drizzle.

The course was in excellent condition with firm fairways and quick undulating greens.  Rob & Paul scored 39 points which could have been into the 40’s if a few more putts had dropped and they hadn’t started with two one point holes. However they clawed it back to score 18 points at the turn when into the wind and 21 on the back 9 with the wind. Greg and Alex had a solid start also scoring 18 points on the front 9 but couldn’t quite capitalise on the back 9 with the help of the wind and ended up on a respectable 36 points.

The winning score from Taunton Vale A was 45 points with the A Team finishing 11^th and the B Team finishing 18^th out of 33 teams. 

The annual review for the 2012 season was carried out on 10th January 2013 with Richard Branch, Dave Jukes, Mike O'Shea and Jordan Lawrence in attendance.

The following list indicates players whos handicaps have been adjusted.

G Armstrong 8.5 up to 9.5

M Palmer 12.0 up to 13.0

G Jackson 19.7 up to 20.7

N Coleman 12.9 up to 13.5

Peter Daggatt 14.0 up to 15.0

M Edwards 13.8 up to 14.8

Ian Holwill 19.2 up to 20.2

D Marchant 17.2 up to 17.5

G Parnell 16.6 up to 17.6

T South 13.3 up to 14.5

D Wright 13.8 up to 14.5

F Schlesinger 15.5 down to 14.5

R Branch 18.3 down to 17.0

S Killops 10.5 up to 11.5

J Taylor 11.2 up to 11.5

Captains Drive In

This years captains drive in will take place on Sunday 30th December. The competition will be a shotgun start kicking off at 9am and will be followed by the Captains Drive in.

• 3 Clubs & a Putter
• Teams of 4 - Texas Scramble
• £12 per player to include Meal & Quiz after

Anyone interested in playing must enter their name on the start sheet posted on the club noticeboard

Only a few places left !!

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Apppeal

On Thursday 13th December a cheque for £9000 will be presented to Nick Pearce of the D&SAA.

The presentation will take place at 3pm and all are welcome to attend.

A very big thankyou to all the people who helped  to raise this and also to all the people who gave so generously.

£9000

On Thursday 13th December a cheque for in excess of £8000 will be presented to Nick Pearce of the D&SAA.

The presentation will take place at 3pm and all are welcome to attend.

A very big thankyou to all the people who helped  to raise this and also to all the people who gave so generously.

STRAGGLERS KICK ASS

On Sunday 11^th November a competition between the A & B teams and the Stragglers was held at Orchardliegh.

With the best eight scores from each team counting the result was

1^st Stragglers 277pts

2^nd A Team 261pts

3^rd B Team 250pts.

Individual winners on the day where,

1^st Keith Walker

2^nd Tony George

3^rd Nigel Coleman

4^th Paul Ashman

5^th Rob Edney

Longest drive Ollie. Worts

Nearest the pin 3^rd hole Keith Walker

Nearest the pin 7th hole Tim Barnard

Nearest the pin 10th hole Paul Ashman

Nearest the pin 17th hole Martin Smith

Players of the year were

A Team Alex Fraser

B Team Dave Barnes

Stragglers Steve Hunt

Stragglers runner up Richard Branch.

A great day was had by all, and the only down side was listening to the captains speech, but seriously the club captain praised the effort put in by the players and the team captains. He also expressed the need for existing players to continue playing and to look out for any new recruits for any of the teams.

Summer Knockout Results 2012

Mens Scratch      1st - Rob Edney    2nd - Steve Dudley

Mens Handicap     1st - Steve Burns    2nd - Tom Baker

Mens 4BBB    1st - Liam Copp & Dani Annable    2nd - Matt Bullus & Trevor Bullus

Mixed Foursomes    1st - Leon Matthews & Rachel Priddle    2nd - Jonathon Reeve & Jennie Reeve

Congratulations to all the winners

Stragglers Vs West Wilts, Match Result.

Stragglers play golf in the Dry!

With West Wilts fielding a strong team and the weather staying dry all was set for a grest match. The matches were enjoyed  by both teams, as was the Thai Green Curry followed by Chocolate Fudge Cake.

The match result was 3.5 to 1.5.

Thanks to all the players. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Stragglers Vs Lansdown Match Result.

Stragglers left in the dark waiting for the final pairings!

With a late start for the match against Lansdown golf club, surprisingly it was the Stragglers that where left waiting for the arrival of the Lansdown team, it was going to be touch and go if all the matches could be finished in the light.

With the lights of the club house shining brightly the last pairings made their way down the eighteenth, inside all talk was whether the final pair of stragglers could win and tie the match or was it all about the missed putts and who's round it was next. One topic that everybody agreed on was the quaility of the course. The golf was folowed by an excellant meal of roast chicken.

The match result was a Draw with Lansdown.

Thanks to all the players. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Stragglers Vs North Wilts, Match Result.

Not sure if it was the sunshine, the sunny side up eggs with the ham and chips, all the gold medals in the games or the Club Captain winning his match with the aid of his playing partner, but a great day was had by all with Orchardleigh Stragglers winning 4-1.

Thanks to all the players and lets hope that the sun keeps on shining on the Stragglers. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Note the comments on this page may not refeclt the views of the author.

Mens Club Championships 2012 - Prize Winners

Overall Gross

1^st – O. Worts

2^nd – P. Lewis

3^rd – L. Matthews

4^th –I. Longhurst

5^th – R. Edney

Overall Nett

1^st – J. Schlesinger

2^nd – P. Lewis

3^rd – L. Copp

Nett

Sat Div1                        Sat Div2

1st – L. Copp                 1st – B. Brookes

2nd – P. Lewis                2nd – F. Schlesinger

3rd – J. Lawrence            3rd – J. Schlesinger

Sun Div 1                      Sun Div 2

1st –S. Arnold                1st – J. Schlesinger

2nd – G Turner               2nd – N. Hall

3rd – B. Withers              3rd – J. Standing

Stragglers VsSaltford, Match Result.

Stragglers faced heavy rain showers  and a strong Saltford Team.

The match started in fine weather and everybody looking forward to their matches.,The palyers had to suffer two heavy  rain showers, but judging by the banter and the lack of teas and coffees being comsumed after the matches these had no effect on the payers enjoyment of the contest..

The meal after the match consisted of chicken cooked in a light tomato sauce severed  with new potatoes  and veg, followed by a rhubarb and sponge creation with custard.  With a quick count of the number of empty  plates and bowls, not to mention empty beer glasses, it looks like most of the Straggles, if not all of them, will be  returning to Saltford at the next available opportunity.

The match result was a Draw wirth Saltford.

Thanks to all the players and lets hope that this was the last of the rain and we can look forward to sunny skies for the remaining matches. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Callaway Demo Day

Wednesday 22nd August

2 - 6pm

Your opportunity to try everything Callaway & Odyssey!!

Discounted prices on ALL orders/purchases on the day!!

Limited fitting slots still available with Callaway Club Fitter and Flightscope Launch Monitor

(Speak to ProShop for details)

The latest teams for all the up and coming Stragglers Matches against West Wilts and Lansdwon are available to view in the Mens Team selection area  of this web site.

Stragglers Vs Memdip, Match Result.

Stragglers captain loses two players! Search partys sent out!!

With Mendip golf club in the heart of a storm, the stragglers had the elements and Mendip to beat.

After four holes of driving rain the captains of both teams decided to reduce the matches to nine holes. This mesage was passed from group to group and so wet and weary golfers return to the club house after finishing the ninth. After a quick shower the golfers were greeted with mugs of hot carrot and coriander soup, which was very welcome indeed. As drinks were ordered and the food was being prepared in the kitchen it was noticed that one of the groups had not returned to the club house. After more drinks and the players getting hungery a search party was sent out to find the remaining group , who were discovered on the 13th  hole. By the time they had returned and showered the other players had enjoyed roast beef with all the trimming, followed by treacle tart and custard.

The match result was a Draw wirth Mendip.

Thanks to all the players and lets hope the weather is more like summer for the next match. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Stragglers Vs West Wilts, Match Result.

Stragglers standin captain keeps on winning (well the team did).

With West Wilts's greens being as receptive as always, the weather dry and the wind blowing it was a tight encounter overlooking wiltshire. The matches were enjoyed  by both teams, as was the Lamb shanks afterwards, unlike the s***** in the matches.

The match result was an impressive away win at West Wilts three to two.

Thanks to all the players. 

Note, If the dress code says Jacket and Tie please bring a shirt as well!

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Bank Holiday Monday Shotgun Start

Start Time 09:00

New Format

Enter teams on noticeboard

Red White & Blue are the colours of the Day

Followed  by Lunch and Quiz

Bone up on the Royal Family especially Kate Middleton / Pipa Middleton, as Mike is rummered to be setting the questions!

31^ST March vs Windwhistle B @ Home

The season started early for the Orchardleigh Avalon League A team this year and we  managed to build on our emphatic practice match victory to open the season with a 4-1 win. Star performers were Paul Lewis & Joe Hearn who set the tone with a 7&6 victory. A 5&4 win and two 2ups made up the four wins and even the match that we lost went down to the 18^th hole. Considering, as a team, we were giving away 45

shots, it was a great team performance  and a good platform to build on. 

Team:- Rob Edney (Capt) & Dave Jukes, Paul Lewis & Joe Hearn, Ollie Worts & Aaron Blaney, Ian Longhurst & Gary Quin, Leon Matthews & Neil Jelly.

7^th April vs Stockwood Vale B @ Home

Match 2 came quick on the heels of our opening win as we greeted Stockwood Vale’s B team to Orchardleigh.  A largely unchanged team once again faced giving plenty of shots away to their opponents. Again all five pairs battled hard and managed to beat Stockwood Vale B 3 ½ - 1 ½ . Ian Longhurst & Gary Quin maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 4&3 win and Paul Lewis & Joe Hearn continued their good form also with a 4&3 win. Once again even the game we lost went down to the last putt on the 18 green. Another good showing by the team giving us 2 wins from 2.

Team:- Rob Edney (Capt) & Ian Whittamore, Paul Lewis & Joe Hearn, Tim Barnard & Aaron Blaney, Ian Longhurst & Gary Quin, Leon Matthews & Neil Jelly.

5^th May vs Worlebury @ Home

After a month’s break we welcomed Worlebury to Orchardleigh on one of the only dry days that we have had recently. Considering the recent rain the course played very well and we had our toughest match yet this year. All matches apart from one were decided on either the 17^th or 18^th greens with Ollie Worts and Alex Fraser recording

 the best result, an excellent 7&6 victory. There was another win for the unbeaten Ian Longhurst and Gary Quin and they were backed up by close wins for Dave Jukes & Rob Edney and Paul Lewis & Ian Whittamore. This gave us a hard fought 4-1 win and puts us in a great position at the top of Division 3. 

Team:- Rob Edney (Capt) & Dave Jukes, Paul Lewis & Ian Whittamore, Ollie Worts & Alex Fraser, Ian Longhurst & Gary Quin, Leon Matthews & Neil Jelly.

Stragglers Vs Kingsdon, Match Result.

Stragglers back to winning ways.

With Kingsdown's greens the fastest seen in a while, the weather staying dry and with the enjoyable company of fellow players  the scene was set for the Stragglers to get back to winning ways.

They did not disappoint  and managed an impressive away win at Kingsdown three matches to two.

This was followed by a very good steak and ale pie.

Thanks to all the players. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

Stragglers Vs North Wilts, Match Result.

Stragglers Impressive winning streak comes to an end at North Wilts, losing 4 -1.

I am sure all the team had a good time and enjoyed the meal and maybe a drink or two beforehand.

The match against Oake Manor was cancelled.

The next match is on Thursday 16th May at Kingsdown. 

If you are considering playing for the Stragglers see the noticeboard in the club house.

The team for the Stragglers Match away to Kingsdown on Thursday 17th May is as follows:

Dave Jukes (capt)

Andy Legg

Richard Branch

Dave Wye

Tony George

Pete Merrett

Paul Ashman

Stephen Hunt

Andy Barnes

Phil Brocks

Reserves as follows,

Dan Curran

Glyn Jackson

Mike Oshea

Please arrive in time for 3.00pm Tee Time. If anyone is unable is to attend please contact Dave Jukes.

Dress code: Jacket and tie for meal.