The finals of the Jubilee Plate knockout were held at Vale of Llangollen GC on Sunday 6th October.
Can we start by giving our most sincere thanks to the club for allowing us their course as a last minute replacement as the original venue of Clays was still suffering for the recent heavy rain.
When the teams arrived, the sun was still hiding behind the mountains and we were fearful of a dank and drizzly day. Most players grabbed a quick coffee, but as the kitchen was not open at 07:30 (tbh most of the County was still asleep), rumbling stomachs could be heard!
A blind draw was made for the two semi-final games:
Howells & Williams (Denbigh) played Parry & Waddell (Moss) and Father & Son pair Keith & Joel Baines (Wrexham) played another Wrexham pair of Rutter & Moore.
The referees for Match 1 (Baines - v- Rutter & Moore) were County President George Smith and Incoming President Jonathan Tym.
The referees for Match 2 (Howells & Williams – v- Parry & Waddell) were County Captain Gareth Roberts & Event organiser Andy Brown
Around 9:00am, President George vanished into the clubhouse and reappeared with a box of steaming hot Bacon Rolls which were distributed across the games and graciously received by all.
Match 1 was somewhat restrained and with both pairs being somewhat cautious, not willing to give away a hole and settling for 'halves'. Eventually, the odd putt dropped, here and there and with Rutter & Moore winning 2&1 on the 17th.
Match 2 was dynamic, with Waddell of Moss (playing off a 9 handicap and being given shots) achieving 4 gross birdies enabling the Moss pair to achieve a comfortable 4 & 3 win.
After a welcome and warming lunch of home-made Scotch Broth Soup and assorted sandwiches, the final and consolation matches commenced. Sadly, Baines junior was taken ill shortly after the morning round, but father Keith was insistent that he would play his match, two against one.
With some inevitability, his match did not progress past the 12th green, so 3rd place was gained by Howells & Williams of Denbigh.
The finals were a very closely run game. Nip and tuck the whole way round until, during a period of heavy drizzle, Moss secured two quick holes before ending the match on the 17th.
So, in darkening light and increasingly heavy rain, all players and officers gathered in the clubhouse for the traditional meal and presentation of Vouchers and obligatory publicity photo of the winners alongside the Shield.
The Course was in truly magnificent condition and with greens referred to as 'Billiard Table Quality'. Games were played in a spirit of friendship and with laughter and congratulations being a common thread – and which is the whole ethos and wish for our annual event.
A big thank you to every competitor and hoping to see you all in 2025.
