The start of a new season brings with it a new squad and higher expectations and so far, for the University of Birmingham golf team, the start of the 2013-14 season could not have been better.
The first team so far this season have excelled in the Northern Premier League with three wins from four with the narrow one point loss at home to UCLAN being the only blemish. A mouth-watering top of the table clash against bitter rivals UCLAN is set for 4th of December with team morale very high after defeating another rival Northumbria on their own patch at the weekend. An exciting second half to the finish is in prospect!
The University 2nds and 3rds both play in the same league – Midland 1A and currently, both teams occupy first and second position in the league after a great start to the season. The 2nds versus the 3rds match was always going to be a competitive game with both teams evenly matched. In the end the 2nds narrowly came out on top with a 3.5-2.5 victory thanks to some gutsy lower order performances. The return fixture is penned in for the end of January and that is sure to be another close encounter which will decide which Birmingham team finishes the season top of the table.
The 4ths, also had a fantastic start to the season with four wins from four, including an away win at Woodhall Spa against rivals Lincoln College. The team is blessed with having so many good golfers and it is always very difficult to select the team with everybody playing so well! Their next fixture is a friendly against the Midland Academy at the Forest of Arden with 12 players playing which is sure to maintain that competitive edge that we strive for before finishing for the Christmas break.
There are also a number of tournaments across the season for individuals to stake their claim and qualify for the BUCS Student Tour finals at Machynys Peninsula Golf Club in April 2014. Our very own Matthew Fieldsend just missed out on claiming victory at Saunton Golf Club in October, losing on count back to eventual winner Laurie Potter from Exeter. However, Matt backed up his 2nd place in Devon with a solid 7th place finish at Woodhall Spa, ultimately cementing his spot in the Student Tour Finals in April. Well done Matt!
Other outstanding performances include top 10 finishes from Nathan Gilpin and Rhodri Harston at Saunton and Emma Newlove who finished 2nd at Woodhall Spa in the ladies tournament. All three have enhanced their claim to finish high in the order of merit and book their place in the season ending Tour Finals.
With plenty more league action, cup matches and individual tournaments still to feature in the new year, golf at the University of Birmingham is moving in the right direction with big things expected from the club.
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