The Matthew Brown Cup Match with The Balearic Federation May 2007.

The first match in what is expected to become a regular annual fixture between a Mixed Cheshire Junior Team and a representative Team from the Balearic Golf Federation was played at Son Parc Golf Club Menorca from the 25th to the 27th May. The event generously funded by Hugh Brown of Bramall GC, in memory of his Grandson, Matthew, was considered to be a resounding success by all the parties involved; the CUGC and the CCLGA particularly wish to record their appreciation to Hugh and the Team at Son Parc for their efforts and contribution to facilitating the Match. Son Parc, recently extended to a full 18 hole layout, proved to be a fine test of golf for the high calibre young golfers from Cheshire and the Balearic Islands. Both Teams were lead by their Boy's and Girl's Captains, Josh Sims and Laura Jones for Cheshire from the Caldy and Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs. The Teams were deliberately selected over a wide age range with four U16 and four U14 youngsters joining the two Captains. Further pictures and a review of the Match can be found on wgtbgolf.co.uk

Following a Practice Day on the Friday, a series of Foursomes and Fourballs were played on the Saturday, with the Match being concluded with ten individual Singles games on the Sunday, ie representing a "Ryder Cup" type of event. It had been agreed that the Matches would be played on a handicap basis, which resulted in Cheshire generally giving the shots. The standard of golf throughout the Match was most impressive and particularly significant was the quality of the short game displayed by the Balearics. Many games were not decided until the very latest stages resulting in an excellent and enthralling competitive spirit, which was also enjoyed by the many supporters who travelled with the Cheshire Team. At the end of the day the Balearic Team held the edge with some excellent golf, supported to some extent perhaps by the complexities of the European Handicap System, producing a final Match Result of 24 to 14 for the Balearics, a well-deserved victory, which we are determined to reverse next year.

The weekend also provided a good opportunity to demonstrate the effective co-operation which exists between the Mens Union and the County Ladies Golf Association, we all appreciated the opportunity to meet with and work with our European colleagues, the result, good golf supported by a BBQ at Son Parc and a beach party on the Saturday will be long remembered by those involved. The Match will again be played at Son Parc next year, slightly earlier over the Mayday weekend. Our thanks again to Hugh Brown and Kath for their support, we all hope that the event will continue to contribute to their memory of Matthew.