East Riding Union 29 - 07 York Union
Sunday 4th May, 2025
The first match of the 2025 Yorkshire Inter District Union (YIDU) championship for the East Riding came early in the season at the excellent Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club. The course was in good condition and the players were greeted with difficult and cold conditions. A 20mph wind blowing from the north guaranteed the players would have to manufacture a number of different shots to come out on top in their matches. A glance to the south from the clubhouse afforded the beautiful view of the bay with the waves crashing into the sea wall.
Todays guests were York Union who always give it their all and East Riding knew they would have to be at their best to succeed. York had a very strong top order, but the East Riding had a full squad to select from other than Charles Wright who was unavailable due to school commitments. The East Riding boys have worked hard through the winter at the coaching sessions and a number of players have improved significantly. Therefore, Luca Boyer (Ganton) was handed his debut and Cooper Beck (Cottingham Parks) returned to the squad.
To play Scarborough North Cliff well it is imperative to strategically keep the ball in play, particularly considering how the wind was blowing. Most players in the foursomes electing not to go with driver at the opening drivable hole. The East Riding controlled the foursomes matches throughout the morning. With a new number one pairing of Seth Topham and Ewan Mackenzie, it was crucial they got off to a good start and put some ‘blue’ on the board. They played solid foursomes golf against a strong York pairing and short game excellence from Ewan at the 15th saw them go one up. A wonderful 20 yard bunker shot on the last by Ewan allowed Seth to hole the four foot put to win the match 2 up. The second points of the day came in match 2 as George Walker and Callum Burns closed it out 3&2. Match 3 went the way of the visitors, but commanding golf from the rest of the team saw Seth Fairburn and Ethan Matthews win 2&1, Bobby Beasley and Luca Boyer win 3&1 and the strong rear gunners Huxley Sawyer and Tom Adcock win 6&5.
So, after the morning matches, the East Riding had a commanding 10-2 lead. Still all to play for in the afternoon as the temperature dropped, the wind strengthened, and rain showers made an appearance.
The East Riding boys carried on where they left off in the morning. Led out in the singles by Seth Topham who was again playing York’s strongest player. A special mention to Seth who was leading out the team for the first time. Only twelve months ago he wasn’t even in the team and now he marches out the Union from the front. In what was a tough match from the start, both players played good golf, and the score was always close. Seth had chances at 15 and 16 to win holes, but he showed desire and resilience to win the last and halve the match.
Strong performances from Ewan Mackenzie and Captain George Walker saw the East Riding win the next two matches which meant the East Riding had won 5 points from a possible six in the early exchanges. The East Riding coped with the conditions better and played golf that ultimately saw a number of singles matches won. Strong afternoon performances saw Bobby Beasley win 7&5, Seth Fairburn win 7&6 and Luca Boyer win 3&1 after being 3 down after 6 holes. Only two singles matches went the way of the York Union and the East Riding closed out a commanding win. .
Well done to Luca Boyer who won a maximum 6 points on his debut. It is obviously early days in the 2025 Player of the Year standings, with seven other players recording maximum points to make the final tally 29-7 to East Riding Union. An excellent result in tough conditions made possible by the commitment and desire shown by the lads.
The matches were played in great spirit with good etiquette and credit to York who kept fighting until the end. It was nice to see a few spectators supporting the boys and a big thank you to the parents, starter Andy Pittaway, Howard Palmer and John Illingworth for their help on the day. President Elect, Alan Hutchinson supported the boys all day and provided lovely words of thanks at the end. Also, thank you to Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club for being wonderful hosts and providing excellent hospitality.
In his pre match speech to motivate the lads (pictured above), new Junior Team Manager Stuart Russell said it would give him great pleasure to message 2023 President Mike Dawson (below centre with the class of 23) that evening with a winning result as Mike would be supporting from afar. The boys delivered and Stuart was able to do just that! Mike is very much in our thoughts at this difficult time.
This match also took place only three days after the funeral following the sad passing of Steve Thornton (below left), 2017 ERUGC President, who was a long-term supporter of East Riding junior golf. This win is very much dedicated to the memory of Steve - always there with a smile and words of support (and a large supply of Jaffa Cakes).
In our next match we welcome Harrogate Union to Filey Golf Club on Monday 26th May.
Stuart Russell
Junior Team Manager
