The “teams” gathered round the Market Cross for this year’s biennial “Rider Cup”. While the “players” milled about waiting for their introduction to the “first tee” it was over to the “Starter” to get proceedings underway. “Starter! Oh where’s the starter?” we all cried. The “players” looked around at each other puzzled, “Are we sure he’s meeting us on the first tee?” A quick check on “slack” to make sure there was no last minute change of message showed nothing. “Well the ‘match’ always starts on time” suggested one competitor. Just as we were “daring” to set off without him, a breathless “Starter” hove into view. “Sorry, sorry” he implored “I had a puncture on the way in”. “You did well to get here then” suggested one competitor. “Not really” replied the starter “I was close enough to home to return and collect another bike”.
The “first hole” was a tricky par four where the competitors had to negotiate a number of dog-legs on the way to the “green” at the ‘magic roundabout’. The “second hole” was a long part five heading over the “famous” Weel Bridge towards Tickton. Along the way there were a number of “bunkers” to avoid. The “home side” took advantage of their local knowledge and raced into an early lead.
On reaching the “par three third” we came across an “injured spectator” trying to repair a puncture. After lending a hand, the “match” continued. Several competitors went “out of bounds” ignoring the “no cycles” sign as we all crossed the busy main road at Tickton.
Next up was the “par five fourth” leading to White Cross roundabout. A long straight forward “fairway” with a few minor obstacles to negotiate. On reaching the “green” there was no sign of the “back markers”. Turned out that one competitor had trouble with his “buggy” when the chain came off.
The “fifth hole” was a long “par four” with a few doglegs leading through Leven and Brandesburton. The “home” team continued to press their advantage opening an even bigger gap while the “away team” got bogged down by “spectators” at the Brandesburton roundabout.
The “sixth hole” was a short “par three” along the Bridlington road to the Catfoss junction where once again several competitors went “out of bounds” slicing the wrong side of the “Keep Left” dividing markers. Perhaps they were hoping to make up some ground on the “home team”.
The “seventh hole” was another long “par four” over a beautifully laid out “fairway” leading to Dunnington. Unfortunately there was a “temporary” green in place here forcing the “players” to take a short run along the main road to Beeford.
The “eighth hole” was another long “par five” with doglegs through Foston-on-the-Wolds eventually reaching Wansford. Along the way the various “competitors” jockeyed for position as each headed to the front for brief periods.
The final “hole” before the “halfway house” was the “par four ninth” leading through Skerne and into Hutton Cranswick. It was made even longer by the fact that the “teams” were now “driving” into the wind. The sight of the Farm Shop was therefore welcome and a chance to take on some refreshments. At this point the “home team” had a small advantage.
The “second nine” would prove somewhat more difficult as the “teams” continued to battle against the wind. The “tenth” was a standard “par four” with doglegs across open ground leading to the top of Bracken hill. The “eleventh hole” was relatively easy downhill “par three” through Bracken farm.
The “twelfth hole” was a straight up “par four” leading the teams south along Bracken lane to the “par three thirteenth” which consisted of a short “drive” to South Dalton. The “fourteenth hole” in contrast to the previous sections of the “course” was rather hilly. The “drive from the tee” was initially downhill followed by a short steep ramp before a final drop to the “green” at Etton.
The easy short “par three fifteenth” gave the players a brief respite from the head winds as the “fairway” led through Etton village. The “par four sixteenth” began another hilly section as the “players” faced the ramp up to Rootas Lane followed by a second bump over the old railway bridge before arriving at Cherry Burton.
The “seventeenth hole” was another hilly “par four” featuring “Amen Corner” (aka Granny’s Hump) so called for the number of players who offer up a prayer on reaching the top, usually in the form of “I hate that Hill”. The “final hole” was a dogleg “par four” leading along Finchcroft Road then back to the clubhouse. At the end of a closely fought contest the “honours” were even with both “sides” having enjoyed a wonderful day despite the cool winds.