As usual there were some bandits tearing up the course, bagging big points for their team in a bid to win The Archers Cup. There were of course some complete novices, playing their first ‘proper’ game of golf, including new youngsters Marcus Barbe and Sammy Fletcher, and they did creditably. Less can be said about ‘Titch’ Barter’s tee shot at the first (see pictures below). The first travelling all of five yards to right, before smashing his second all of 10 yards further, finally just making it past the ladies tee!!
Pictured Below The Golfers Pose For The Camera...
(Front Row L-R) I. Dowding, M. Barbe, D. Wolvey, S. Barbe, S. Keoshgerian, J. Barter, R. Clark, S. Fletcher, B. Hall
(Back Row L-R) A. Gibbins, P. Burchett, G. Dann, D. Bradley, N. Head, S. Cork, M. Dann, J. Funnell
1. The Cheeky Girls - 53pts – Darren Wolvey, Darren Bradley, Pete Burchett, Steve Cork
2. Team Milli Vanilli – 50pts – Sol Keoshgerian, James Barter, Steve Barbe
3. PJ & Duncan All Stars – 47pts – Jamie Funnell, Mark Dann, Brian Hall
4. The Wenger Boys – 33pts - Ian Dowding, Neil Head, Sam Fletcher, Marcus Barbe
5. Michael Bolton’s Mavericks – 30pts - Richard Clark, Adam Gibbins, Greg Dann
After the golf it was back to Wealden’s ground, ‘The Oaks’, for the football.
First up were a couple of Sol’s old teams – The Armenians and Old Morden Manor, from Worcester Park, veterans of the game now, mixed with a few useful looking youngsters, including The Archers very own Neil ‘Northern Monkey’ Lucey and Mark Dann in goal (not that I am including those two in the ‘useful youngsters’ category).
In the searing heat, the game was certainly not played at a Premiership tempo, the ball being calmly stroked around at the back, before finding the youngsters on the wings, nonetheless it was an entertaining spectacle. In a close game, Old Morden Manor ran out 2-1 winners, Neil Lucey scoring for his adopted Armenian team.
Next it was the turn of the juniors. The London lads had brought down a team of youngsters, some of whom are rumoured to be on the books of professional clubs, whilst Darren Wolvey’s connections meant the Uckfield Grasshoppers U12s were their opposition.
A much bigger and more physical Enfield based Chase Side Youth U13s ran out 4-2 winners thanks to Richards, Millard, Hart and Stark. However the local boys were certainly a credit, never giving up and scoring a couple of goals, in a game that was much closer than the score line suggests. All were impressed by the standard of both teams, playing some neat passing and moving football, particularly at such a young age.
Finally it was time for the main event – the one the crowd had come to see. Fletching FC First Team versus Fletching FC Reserve Team (see picture below which included the official unveiling of The Archers new kit, kindly sponsored by TMC Logistics Ltd).
(Back Row L-R) S. Keoshgerian, I. Dowding (c), M. Leeves, F. Eggleton, J. Funnell, S. Cork, M. Dann, D. Bradley, N. Bradford, G. Dann, N. Lucey (c), C. Brady, R. Clark, M. Hill, S. Jefford, B. Hall (Front Row L-R) P. Burchett, P. Holford, L. Donnelly, D. Wolvey, J. Barter, S. Barbe, N. Head, M. Barbe, S. Fletcher, C. Harris, P. Carter
Much beer and some fine BBQ food was enjoyed before, during (yes Mark Dann was seen stuffing himself with a burger whilst playing in goal) and after game. The bouncy castle kept the kids entertained (the ones sat at the far end of the pitch behind the goal also took great enjoyment out of mocking Mark Dann – “Dodgy Keeper...”).
It was a great day and a big thank you to everyone involved who helped to make it a success.