Carnwath - a game of 2 halves.

They say that football is a “funny old game” but golf can be equally so. Peebles Seniors’ entertained Carnwath earlier in the season and enjoyed an emphatic victory by 5 and a half points to a half point.

The away fixture took place last Friday. First out were Brian Robson and David Wright and although they played well they were just edged out by the home pair. In match 2 debutant Simon Dryden and George Cunningham suffered a similar fate.

In the third game Tom Litster and Roger Scott thought they were heading for a draw before one of their opponents chipped in for a birdie and subsequently won the game. Ian JD Stewart and George Hirst went down fighting in game 4 and when Ian Tate and Geoff Lawson lost Game 5, a whitewash looked likely.

Bryan Taylor and Vic Roberts had other ideas though and they won game 6 to give the Peebles Team a vital point.

The match result was therefore Carnwath 5 points - Peebles 1 point. However over the 2 legs the Peebles team amassed 6 and half points to Carnwath’s 5 and a half points.

Honours even at West Linton

The Seniors’ team travelled to neighbours West Linton hoping for a change in fortune following a run of 3 defeats away from home.

Captain Brian Robson and his playing partner Jim Clelland led by example and quickly built up a commanding 4 hole lead. They maintained their momentum with some very good teamwork and closed the game out early by winning 5&4.

Things did not go according to plan for Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor in game 2. The Peebles pair failed to master the blustery conditions and surrendered early at the 11th hole.

In game 3, Sandy Wood and Alister Lambie held a one hole lead for most of the back 9 before winning the last hole to win 2 up.

It looked as if honours would be even in game 4 as the Peebles pair of Ian JD Stewart and Ian Tate lined up all square going down the last. However a missed putt on the 18th gave victory to the West Linton pair by the narrowest of margins.

David Wright and Sam Walker didn’t have the best of starts in game 5 and they soon found themselves 2 down. However the Peebles pair battled back and got their noses in front. They maintained their one hole lead until the last where they secured a 2 hole victory.

With the Peebles team now holding the advantage in the match it was down to Keith Dunn and Paul Harrison to see if an away victory could be secured. After a bright start their one hole advantage turned into a deficit and they eventually went down by 5&4.

It wasn’t the result that Peebles wanted but the hard fought 3-3 draw halted the recent run of defeats. The West Linton course presented very well and the blustery conditions didn’t prevent a very enjoyable and friendly encounter.

The next match is away to Carnwath on Friday 6th September.

A close match at Glencorse

The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled up the road to Penicuik hoping that winning form would return against Glencorse GC.

Things started brightly for the away team. In game 1, captain Brian Robson and his partner, Paul Harrison were 3 down after 11 holes but they managed to reduce the deficit to one down with one to play. A spectacular birdie for Brian on the 18th meant the game was halved.

In game 2, Ian JD Stewart and Sam Walker were in imperious form and ran out winners by 4&3.

However, games 3 and 4 proved critical to the overall match result. Debutant George Hirst and his partner Alister Lambie matched their opponents for most of the encounter but unfortunately lost by 2&1. George Cunningham and Ian Stewart enjoyed a bright start and were one up with seventeen to play! They kept the game close enough but eventually went down by 3&2.

Game 5, involving David Wright and Stevie Matthews was a rollercoaster affair. Going 2 down early on the Peebles pair got back to all square at the turn thanks to David managing to birdie holes 8 and 9. They continued to combine well and were 4 up with 6 to play. 3 birdies in the last 6 holes for the Glencorse pair resulted in the game being halved.

Peebles had to win the last game for a share of the spoils in the match but the Glencorse pair proved too strong for the Peebles partnership of Jim Lyle and Ken Davey who went down by 6&4.

So, the overall match result was Glencorse 4 - Peebles 2. Once again it was a great day out on a course which was very well presented. The weather even behaved itself and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal after the match.

All we have to do is improve our form away from home. Our next chance will be next week at West Linton.

Away match v Innerleithen

The Peebles team travelled to Innerleithen hopeful that they would be able to repeat the home victory they enjoyed over their local rivals earlier in the season.

In game one, Brian Robson and Sam Walker lost the first hole but recovered quickly to lead by 3 holes. Home player, Jim Pendreigh then turned on the style with his putter and the Peebles pair again found themselves one down. Brian and Sam drew level at the 15th and the game remained all square through to the 18th.

Keith Dunn and Jim Lyle found the opposition too hot to handle in game 2. Despite a brave performance they lost their game 5&4.

Performance of the day came from Peebles pair Grant Bowie and Ian Stewart. They found themselves 4 down at one stage but battled back and won the game on the 18th green. Grant almost achieved an ace at the 10th when his tee shot rattled the pin and ran a few feet past.

In game 4 Geoff Lawson and George Cunningham were 2 up after 8 holes but they lost their momentum in the closing holes and eventually went down by 3&1.

David Wright and Ian Tate had previously played together 3 times and had enjoyed wins on each occasion. Today’s match provided them with a much sterner challenge. The Innerleithen pair were on top form and their ‘birdie fest’ ensured the Peebles pair went down 5&4.

In game 6 Gordon Fisher and Brian Taylor also found themselves up against it from the start and eventually went down by 5&3.

In the end, the home team ran out winners by 4 and a half points to 1 and a half points.

The weather conditions were challenging to say the least with numerous heavy showers throughout the match. However the match was played in a very good spirit and both teams enjoyed a very tasty lunch afterwards at the Corner House.

Peebles go down fighting at Torwoodlee

The Peebles Seniors’ Team travelled to Torwoodlee full of hope that they would preserve their winning streak. However, things did not go according to plan. 

Brian Robson and Geoff Lawson had a tough match, especially when their opponents rolled in a 25 ft birdie putt on the opening hole. The rest of the match was very even but eventually the Peebles pair succumbed to a 2 & 1 defeat.

Jim Lyle and Ken Davey were 3 down at the turn and managed to fight back and halved the match.

Tom Litster and Andy Tucker had a difficult match which was mostly even but the Torwoodlee pair ran out 2 & 1 winners.

David McKean and Roger Scott got off to a slow start and were 2 down after 2 and 4 down at the turn. However they got back to 2 down. A nett birdie as a result of a deadly chip from the opposition put them 3 down. Although David and Roger managed to half the 16 th their opponents ran out 3 & 2 winners.

Gordon Fisher, who was nursing a broken toe, and David Wright had a good start to their match and were 2 up after 7 holes. However their opponents hit a purple patch in the middle of the round and won 4 holes in a row. Eventually the Torwoodlee pair won 3 & 2, thanks mainly to some deadly putting. 

Paul Harrison and Brian Taylor had a good match but were 2 down with 3 holes to play. However, a ‘never say die’ approach by the Peebles pair resulted in a worthy half with a storming finish. 

 Despite some good play the Peebles team was beaten 5 - 1, the first defeat this season. 

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Home v Longniddry. Another nail biter and another victory!

Following the cancellation of our match against Torwoodlee on 13 June the Senior team were back in action against Longniddry who were keen to avenge the defeat back in February. First out for Peebles were Brian Robson and the evergreen Tom Litster. A net birdie on the 1st hole meant that Peebles got off to a good start. This continued during the match and Peebles were never behind and won the match 3 & 2 at the 16 th. 

Second out for Peebles were Ian Tate and Jim Lyle. Despite playing some good golf they were up against Ewan Robertson, a 5 handicap golfer whose excellent play was too good for them and lost the game at the 18 th ( 2 down ).

Next out for Peebles were Andy Tucker and George Cunningham. They had a ding dong battle and the match was halved at the 18th thanks to Andy sinking an 8 ft put.

Ken Davey and Alan Jackson were next out for Peebles and had a difficult game which they finished at the 17th for a 2 & 1 victory.

Fifth pair out for Peebles were Vic Roberts and Brian Taylor. The Longniddry pair were just too good for Vic and Brian and the Peebles pair lost 3 & 1 at the 17th.

Last pair out for Peebles were Sam Walker and Paul Harrison. With the match being tied after 5 games you could have cut the tension with a knife as we waited in the restaurant for the last match to come in. Sam and Paul had played well and won their match at the 15 th for a 4 & 3 victory which meant that Peebles had won the match 3.5 - 2.5

Peebles v Minto

Conditions were good following earlier rain.

Brian Robson and Geoff Lawson opened for Peebles and were up against 5 & 10 handicappers Iain Oliver and David Howden. Geoff and Brian played out of their skins to go ahead by 3 holes at the 7th after Brian had birdied the 7th. Iain birdied the 8th and Peebles were 2 ahead at the turn. All square after 11 holes. Eventually Peebles won 3 & 1 after Brian parred the 16 th and 17 th holes.

Next out were Brian Taylor and Keith Dunn. Play was fairly even over the front nine but Brian & Keith came on to a game on the back nine and eventually the match ended at the 15 th with a 4 & 3 win for the Peebles team.

Third out for Peebles were Alan Frain and George Cunningham. A fairly competitive match took place with Minto high handicapper Eddie Berridge using his strokes well. The match went to the 18 th hole with Minto holing the final put to win the match.

Ian Tate and And Tucker were next out for Peebles. They were both in great form and it was unlucky 13 th hole for the Minto pair as Ian and Andy finished the match and won 7 & 5.

Next out for Peebles were experienced pair Tom Litster and Roger Scott. They were 3 holes up after 5 and never looked back. If it had not been for the deadly putting of the Minto pair the match would have finished earlier but eventually Tom and Roger ran out 4 & 3 winners at the 15 th hole.

Last match out had Peebles pairing Ian J D Stewart and Jim Lyle. This was a very even match with the Peebles pair being behind in the earlier part of the match but managing to forge ahead and winning 2 & 1 at the 17 th hole.

Peebles kept up their home winning run with a 5 - 1 victory.

Peebles v Broomieknowe- May 21st. The winning run continues!

The ‘earlier than normal ‘ tee off time caught out  a number of the Peebles players as the team prepared for the home match against Broomieknowe. After a few phone calls and a hastily rearranged starting order, the match commenced in warm dry conditions on a beautifully presented course.

In match one, the home pair of Keith Dunn and Ken Davey played excellent golf and their better ball gross score of 76 ensured that they enjoyed a 6&5 victory. - the biggest winning margin of the day.

Match two also saw Paul Harrison and Neil Byers in charge from the start and despite some mid- round resistance from the Broomieknowe pair the home side closed the match out on the 13th to win by 5&4.

Match three was a much closer affair. David Wright and Ian Tate were one up at the turn, due largely to Ian’s deadly putting. The home pair were coasting when they went 3 up at the 13th. However Broomieknowe pegged them back and only David’s nervy 5 foot putt on the 18th ensured a 1up victory. 

Sam Walker and George Cunningham had the closest match of the day. With the teams being all square after 17 holes, the home team won the last to ensure a one hole victory.

Jim Cleland and Andy Tucker were both in fine form in match 5 and they had no trouble whatsoever in overcoming their opponents. They, too, closed their match out on the 13th green to achieve a 5&4 victory.

Team Captain, Brian Robson and his partner Alan Frain had a rather inauspicious start to their match. They lost the first hole after Alan pushed his tee shot out of bounds. However the home pair quickly settled down and found their rhythm to also achieve a 5&4 victory. 

So, once again the Peebles Seniors’ team was victorious on their home course with the final score being Peebles 6 - Broomieknowe 0. 

Peebles v North Berwick

With captain Brian Robson away for a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, it fell to David Wright to captain the Peebles Seniors’ team in the home match against North Berwick. The Peebles team had won their previous 3 outings this season so the pressure was on to maintain this unbeaten run!

The opening match saw David Wright and Ian Tate against local worthy Drew Lowe and his partner Jim Mansell. The home players were 2 up at the turn and after halving the 10th, David and Ian surged ahead by winning the 11th, 12th and 13th holes to assume ‘dormie’ status. A reversal at the 14th took the match to the 15th where Ian closed out the game to give the home team a 4&3 victory.

Match 2 was a very close affair. Debutant Paul Harrison and seasoned campaigner Geoff Lawson were coasting to victory, being 3 up at one stage. The North Berwick players pegged them back however and the match went down the last with the Peebles players holding a one hole advantage. Victory was not to be had for Paul and Geoff however as the away team won the last hole to halve the match.

In match 3, Sam Walker partnered another debutant. Ian  Mitchell. After 5 holes, with the match all square, the home pair found their form and won hole after hole to eventually achieve the biggest win of the day by 7&5.

The second biggest margin of victory was achieved by the North Berwick pair in match 4. Despite their best efforts, Ian Stewart and George Cunningham went down 5&4 to their opponents.

Match 5 was also a very tense affair. Keith Dunn and Grant Bowie were one up at the turn but couldn’t press home their advantage on the back 9. Eventually the North Berwick players nudged ahead and won the match by one hole.

With the overall score in the match being 2.5 points each, it fell to the last group to determine which team would take the spoils. Both captains waited nervously in the clubhouse to see which way things would go. 

Jim Lyle and Roger Scott, for the home team, didn’t disappoint. They played very well together and were in control for all of their match. A 3&2 victory in match 6 ensured that the Peebles team maintained their winning start to the season.

Final Score: Peebles 3.5 points - North Berwick 2.5 points.

The match against North Berwick was, as always, played in a great spirit of friendship and both teams enjoyed their golf on a beautifully presented golf course.

Peebles continue their winning streak after a close match with Innerleithen

As St Boswell’s were unable to raise a team, a hastily arranged match with Innerleithen took place.

A close match was eventually won by Peebles by 4 points to 2.

Opening for Peebles were Brian Robson and Ken Davey. Following a pretty even 9 holes the Peebles pair were 1 down at the turn. Innerleithen pair Patrick and Ian had a whirlwind start to the back nine and were 4 up after 12 holes. Ken instigated a comeback with a birdie on the 13th and eventually the match was all square after 17 holes.The 18th hole went to the wire with Patrick sinking a 12 ft putt to keep the match all square.

Next match out for Peebles were Brian Taylor and Jim Lyle. Their opponents were playing well and after a hard fought match Peebles were eventually beaten at the 15 th 5 & 3

The 3rd match involved Vic Roberts and Ian Stewart. Vic and Ian were playing well and had the best result of the day with a 5 & 4 victory. This was a good win for Ian as he is also a member of Innerleithen golf club. Andrew Waddell , now playing for Innerleithen, had the best hole of this match with an eagle on the 13 th hole. He drove the green and went on to sink a long putt.

Next out were Gordon Fisher and Jim Cleland. Both teams were very even and the match ended all square after 18 holes.

Keith Dunn and Ian J D Stewart were next out for Peebles. With Keith playing a prominent part, helped by Ian , they recorded a hard fought 3 & 2 victory. As Keith is also a member of Innerleithen golf club he was pleased to get this victory over his buddies.

Playing in the final match for Peebles were David Wright and Alan Frain. Front nine was pretty even with David and Alan being 1 up at the turn. They went on to win the 10 th, 11 th and 12th which gave them a good cushion and they eventually ran out 3 & 2 winners at the 16 th hole.

Footnote:   We hope to keep this fixture in our Senior Programme.

A return match at Innerleithen will take place on Tue 06 Aug.

Emphatic victory against Carnwath

The first home match of the season was against Carnwath on Tue 09 April.

Opening for Peebles were Brian Robson and Ian Tate. They got off to a good start by winning the 1st two holes with Brian getting a rare par on the 2nd hole.

Ian was in good form and was outdriving his 8 handicap opponent , much to his opponent’s dismay!

Peebles went 3up before Carnwath fought back to find themselves only 1 hole down after producing a birdie at the 13th. However, another rare par for Brian on the 14th allowed Peebles to go 2 ahead. The 15th hole was halved and Carnwath won the 16th which meant that Peebles were 1 up going up the 17th. The Peebles pair had a net birdie on the 17th and this was enough to win the match.

Next out were Keith Dunn and George Cunningham who also had an 8 handicap opponent. They had a great battle and Keith kept them in the match with some great holes. George also weighed in with a 2 on the 12th hole. Eventually the match finished all square on the 18th.

Ian Stewart ( Innerleithen Ian ) and Roger Scott were next out. Ian probably played his best golf on the front nine and Roger came into the game in the latter stages. Roger parred the 14th and ensured that the match finished after 15 holes with Peebles winning 4 & 3.

In match 4 Jim Cleland and Andy Tucker  played together for the 1st time. They had a ding dong battle but eventually won the match by being 1 up after 18 holes.

Old hands Geoff Lawson and Brian Taylor were next out. They eventually managed to win 2 & 1 thanks to a couple of holes won by Geoff by chipping straight into the hole.

The final match saw debutant Alan Frain paired with the experienced Vic Roberts. Both Alan and Vic were on fire. Highlight of the match was an eagle at the 11th hole for Alan. Not far behind was a birdie for Vic at the 14 hole which resulted in them winning 6 & 4.

Once again we were delighted to welcome the Carnwath Seniors’ Team and we look forward to the away match later in the season.

The overall match result: :  Peebles won by 5.5 points to 0.5 points.

Narrow win for Peebles at Longniddry in the opening match of the season

The golf season started early for the Seniors’ Team as they travelled to Longniddry Golf Club for a brand new fixture in the calendar.

New Team Captain, Brian Robson, took charge of a strong team which contained 3 debutants in Keith Dunn, Ian Stewart and Jim Cleland.

The new ballot system for team selection cooincidentally paired captain Brian Robson with past captain David Wright in the opening match and this proved to be the most exciting of the day. After winning the opening hole the Peebles players must have wished they had brought their buckets and spades as they virtually found sand at every hole on the front nine. Home pairing of Captain Willie Weston and Grahame Letchford capitalised and were 4 up after 10 holes. However the seasoned Peebles pair eventually mastered the fast greens and avoided the bunkers to make an astonishing comeback to secure an unlikely half a point with the match finishing all square.

Next out were Jim Lyle and Alan Jackson who fought hard against a Longniddry pair that contained a 4 handicap player. Although they kept the score close they eventually lost the match by 2&1.

Peebles achieved equilibrium again when Sam Walker and another past captain, Vic Roberts outplayed their opponents to secure a 2&1 victory. Vic is no stranger to playing at Longniddry and he made his ‘local knowledge’ count.

There was to be no fairy tale start for debutant Keith Dunn and his partner Brian Taylor. They found their opponents too hot to handle with the home pair securing an emphatic 5&4 victory.

The Peebles players now found themselves behind in the match with 2 ties still on the course. In game 5, Grant Bowie and newbie Ian Stewart played themselves into a commanding lead and had numerous chances to close the match out early . However they failed to capitalise but did manage to keep their noses in front to secure a 1up victory.

So, it was down to the last tie of the day to decide where the spoils of victory would go and the final pairing of Ken Davey and Jim Cleland did not disappoint. Ken and Jim gelled from the start and played some irresistible golf on a course they had never previously played. Their victory of 6&5 was the biggest winning margin of the day.

The final score in the match saw the PEEBLES team prevail by 3 1/2 points to 2 1/2 points.

The new fixture against Longniddry is a welcome addition to the Seniors’ calendar. The hospitality shown by our hosts was excellent and the Peebles players enjoyed a great day out on a very good golf course with excellent catering. We look forward to welcoming the Longniddry players to Peebles in June for the return fixture.

Quote of the day has to come from captain Brian Robson. “Thank goodness we managed to halve our match, David. I thought i might have got sacked after one match in charge otherwise”

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Signing up to play for the Seniors’ Team

Friendly fixtures for 2019 have been placed on the Senior Notice Board.

The 1st fixture is on 28 February and is away to Longniddry.

A sheet will be up on the notice board asking players to add their name if they are interested in playing in this match.
Approx 10 days before the match the team will be selected from all of the names on the sheet (drawn from the hat )
Players not selected will be 1st on the sheet for the next match.

Hopefully this will help the players who had previously been left out as the sheet had filled up before they could get their names down.

Any queries please contact Brian Robson, Tel 0751 974 5757,  
E-mail.  ieston5@tiscali.co.uk

Seniors’ Fixtures 2019

Senior Fixtures 2019

Thus 28 Feb    ​  Longniddry  ​       Away

Tue   9 April       ​Carnwath​​​ Home 

Tue  30 April      ​St Boswells​       ​Home

Tue   7 May     ​ North Berwick ​  ​Home

Tue 21 May   ​ Broomieknowe   ​Home

Tue 28 May    ​ Minto​​​ Home

Thus 13 June ​ Torwoodlee       ​Home

Wed 19 June   ​ Longniddry​​​ Home

Mon 22 July   ​   Torwoodlee​​ Away

Tue 20 Aug      ​  Glencorse​​     ​Away

Thus 29 Aug   ​ West Linton​​ Away

Fri 6 Sept          ​Carnwath​​​ Away

Tue 17 Sept     ​ Minto​​​ Away

Wed 16 Oct    ​North Berwick   ​​Away​          

Senior Team Review 2018

It's yet again that time of year gents, to review what we achieved as Team Peebles in the 2018.

Our results read as follows - played 12 - Won 6, Drawn 3 and Lost 3. That represents a 62.5% success rate which in turn equates to a 2:1 in academic terms. A wee bit down on last season's 70% record. We remained unbeaten at home.

New in 2018, the home & away fixtures against Carnwath. A solid home win was balanced against a sound away thrashing - mind off their whites. Irrespective for me, this year's most fun match.

Again a very tight fought encounter home and away against Minto saw both matches drawn. One day I will play, what is a cracking track, well !!

The encounter at Torwoodlee saw our first loss to the pallies under my captaincy. They fielded  some interesting opponents, interesting in terms of, I had never seen them in previous matches. Thus we are clearly attracting other clubs "A" game players as they seek to compete against Team Peebles.  So perhaps this match was my one regret of the year, all be it I did play that course well.

Off from the course it has been wonderful to see how you have embraced and worn with pride our new 2018 uniform.  What a difference when we turn out against other clubs in our logo'd kit. So my ambition and invitation is to see all our numbers wearing the team uniform for 2019.

2018 has generated a serious demand for places on the match day team sheet. So much so that I adopted a "captain's pick" for my partner to ensure all got a chance to play. How we move forward in 2019 is for Brain to decide. However we may now have reached the point where names go up on a sheet, from which & dependant on previous games played our captain then selects that actual team. Participation can't solely be the ability to get to a notice board by a set time on a set day anymore !

The fixture card is already confirmed for 2019. Once again we play our usual suspects, all be it flipping  the one off game hosts. I do wonder if we will see a St Boswells fixture next year ? Their numbers have been waning & this might be a season too far. I am however trying to arrange a match against Harburn - where a number of my old rugby pals play. It won't be full contact golf ! Watch this space.

So a couple more things and these are by way of my very deep and sincere expression of gratitude.

2018 has seen the final, regular, partnering of our Team Ian's. I say regular as I trust in time of need they would answer any call from the team they have served with such distinction over numerous seasons. They were my bankers - when the points were needed they delivered, even after their own handicaps went tumbling down !  Quote of the season "We're giving the opposition strokes !!!"

Ian Mewitt & Ian Pemberton take a very well earned round of applause from all your team mates.

Finally, as seniors captain, can I thank all of Team Peebles for your assistance, enthusiasm and skill, which has resulted in what I believe to have been a very successful couple of seasons. It has for me been my honour to lead you. I trust you will offer Brain that same support in 2019.

Friday 26th Senior Captain' Drive In

The Ryder Cup may have come and gone in a blaze of European celebration, however there remains much to look forward to for Team Peebles seniors this month.

Firstly, our much anticipated away match at North Berwick awaits on Wednesday 17th, when Brain will be leading us to what I trust will be a final "W" for the season.  The team sheet is already posted. To assist Brian can I remind those selected to confirm their availability by ticking against your name.

Then we hold the inaugural Senior Captain's Drive In on Friday 26thOctober. This is a stableford competition, played off the yellows using your full handicap. Your slot can be booked now, as normal, via the computer.  

This is a day to celebrate Brian's instillation as our captain for the 2019 & 20 seasons. Open to ALL seniors who have played over the two years of Stevie's stint at the helm and those seeking to play for Team Peebles in the future.

Brain is out first, teeing it up at 9am. Come along for the round, meet and chat after with teammates in the clubhouse and see who wins the trophy.

See you there.  

Teamsheet - North Berwick away 17th October

Gents - Final game of the 2019 season. The team is selected as below. Meet at North Berwick clubhouse for 9:30 am, roll & coffee on arrival. Lunch in the dining room after the match - shirt, collar, tie & jacket required !

10:10 am                  Brain Robson   &   Ian Tate

 

10:19 am                    Geff Lawson & Jim Cutler

 

10:28 am                   Roger Scott   &   Brain Taylor

 

10:37 am                  Les Biscomb   &   Vic Roberts

 

10:46 am                     Ian Mewitt   &   Ian Pemberton

 

10:55 am                   Sam Walker   &   Andy Nelson               

 

Please confirm you are aware of your selection by ticking off your name.

Brian's  your captain from this day forward ….. mobile is 07518:745757

 

Reserves  -  1. Gordon Fisher          3. George Cunningham  

                    2. Andy Tucker            4. Ken Davey

North Berwick 17th October - Selection Criteria & Availability

As notified at the start of the season - Team Peebles trip to North Berwick is selected by the captain - Brain Robson - from the members available, via the aggregated appearance points achieved through the season so far.  

That list, in points order, is now displayed on the notice board. There are already a number of high point scorers not available to play this match. So even if you have limited score you may well be selected.

Thus it is imperative that, against your name, you tick if available or delete if not.  

BBC 100% Wrong - Team Pebbles 100% Strong

Team Peebles penultimate match of the season was away to Minto. Mustering at the back of 9am on a gorgeous autumn morning in shirts sleeves and trousers the only regret was that too much credence had been given to the 100% chance of rain announced on the BBC's website. Shorts should have been the uniform of the day. Could Team Pebbles catch Minto short out on the course !

With home & away matches each season the road to Minto is well travelled - all be it never the same way twice ! Similarly the Minto players are well known. Similar courses result in tight encounters. Would today be any different.

As always 3 tee were in play - so the in team sheet order -

Stevie Matthews was paired up with Jim"RVW"Lyle. During their trip down it had been established the two were at school together - the latter as teacher & former the pupil. As equals now, they came up against a strong and determined Minto pair, again with a high handicappers playing very effectively. So much so a 4 stroke lead was established. However a rear guard action saw our lads dormay 2 - only for birdies, net eagles at 17th & 18th to steal the match for the home team. Loss 3&1.

Next to hit the fairway Geff"Corgi"Lawson & Andy"H"Nelson. The latter covering for the injured Jim"Charoits"Cutler. Solid match from both our guys and especially strong finish from Andy enabled the boys seal the match with a birdie on the 18th. Win 1 up.

George Cunningham making only his second appearance this season was out with David"PC"Wright. The score, a loss 6&5 for once does not tell the full story. David initially believing he had food poisoning was clearly off form & colour. It transpires he has required to seek hospital treatment. We wish all the very best for what we trust will be a swift recovery.

Roger Scott, like a 80's pop duo, reformed with his regular sparring partner of season's past Tom"Ace"Litster. Clearly warming up for a potential trip back to North Berwick where last year Roger's form was described as obscene - this pair romped home 5&4.

Team Ian's had refocused after their last outing at Carnwath - where neither the regular "W" or even an acceptable "D" had been achieved. As with all things TBTP normal service was resumed.  The Ian's stormed back with a big "W" - 4&3. Form is temporary - class permanent.

The final match saw Brain"Chirpy"Taylor & Ken"Logger"Davey - our very own Cardrona massive - struck out for the glory of the match winning half point. Pitted against probably the Minto best pairing it was a hard ask. They fought hard but ended up on the wrong side of a 3&2 loss.

So match halved, as was the game at home. Honours very much even - even if perhaps the Minto boys had the benefit of a 13th man in the pace of their greens.

The aggregate scores you have obtained from the matches played so far are up on the notice board. We have several of our team who already are unavailable. So even with limited points you may well still make selection. Therefore please tick off or score out your name so that Brain"Captain Elect" Robson can pick his pairings.

Carnwath White Wash Pebbles Off The Whites

Our 2019 season has seen a new fixture to the calendar, playing Carnwath home & away. Our latest match was to be hosted at the South Lanarkshire club. We had been successful on home turf back in April and this trip was keenly awaited by Team Peebles. That enthusiasm was almost turned to frustration as our arrival was diverted & delayed via back lanes due to street resurfacing. Surely things could not get worse !

Carnwath play regular league matches and perhaps that savvy showed in their selection. A high & low handicapper were paired in their teams. In addition teeing of the whites was a new experience that had not been factored in by Team Peebles.

First out Stevie Matthews & Les Biscomb. There opponents a 7 & 20 handicappers resulted in the Peebles boys giving up 7 strokes. So with their "high numbers" or as he became know - TFN (there for nothing), having shots on the three of the first 4 holes it was not surprising that a lead was swiftly established. The match appeared a lost cause, however some stout rear guard action from Les saw our boys heading down the 18th only 1 down. All to play for ! There TFN again used his shot to secure the match. Loss 2 down.

Next teeing it up off the whites, Geff"Corgi"Lawson & Jim"Chariots"Culter. The latter was struggling with an elbow injury, however he was superbly supported with Corgi's great knock. However even such a low score could only return a halved match.

David Wright & Roger Scott were considered a strong pairing. Both have had a solid season, but as with the opening match, their opponents were again even better matched. A strong performance still resulted in a loss 1 down.

Vic Roberts, now playing with substitute Andy"H"Nelson. Another strong pairing was as with the others before them reduced to a losing return - 1 down.

Team Ian's would surely record a positive number for Peebles. Both have been getting results all season, in our seniors matches and the club comps. Handicaps have been reduced accordingly. So what was their influence on the day? Unbelievable as it sounds - and this is the only time such a typo has been assigned to our stalwarts - loss 5&3.

Our last pairing were Sam"TheMan"Walker & Ian"Credo"Walker. These two have been points winners all season. There must be a win for Team Peebles. The short answer is no. Loss 4&3.

Thus ended our trip to fortress Carnwath. Final result - 5½-½. A whitewash off the whites. Still, strong learning points for Brain & next season. Despite the pumping, still great fun with some superb lads which continued into the clubhouse.

Next game away at Minto - another very tough encounter. We won down there last season - let's do the double.