Coaching

The formal series of coaching sessions on Wednesday evenings has now drawn to a close but individual coaching can still be booked on request by calling Jonathan Toye on 01366 382280

Sunday 22nd August
                         Golf League versus Hunstanton
This game was played at Hunstanton for convenience. With two wins under their belt the table indicated they had won this area ,however if Downham beat them, there would be several possibilities. We started as the underdogs and by the lunch break we trailed 8 - 4 with one singles round to play and the two doubles. The final round of singles Downham won three thus closing the gap to two. If the doubles was to go favorably for Downham, having lost all previous doubles, the golden hoop would be played. Both double recorded victories taking us into the golden hoop. Downham won the toss and decided to play doubles . It was agreed for Chris and David to play. A close tussle for a considerable time finally saw Hunstanton Blue victors and now move on to the semi finals against Enfield E. Semi finals to be played at Bury St Edmunds.

Saturday 21 August
 
Much to the relief of the Club Secretary, four players arrived to compete for the Hipgrave Shield this year. (The last time was 2005). One of the competitors, Dave Randall, had only just joined the club and had experienced his preliminary introduction to the game only three days previously. Dave had been expecting to watch and learn but in the event was persuaded to participate. Kathleen Butters, Martyn Browne and his son Angus and Dave fought out some pretty good matches though Martyn had a couple of big wins and as a result had his handicap lowered. He was the eventual victor but congratulations to all who took part. It's good to see the Hipgrave (named in memory of a late member and aimed purely at beginners) featuring on the Honours Board again.

Saturday 14th August
                         Golf League away to Hunstanton
David, Heather, Chris and Carole journeyed to Sunny Hunny (where it was raining) for the second game in the league calendar. With four courts being used it was constant play until the break before the doubles. During the last singles game a made dash was needed to don our waterproofs. this only lasted for a short while . At the break honors were shared so once again it was going to be decided on the doubles games. With full bellies we ventured out after the heavy shower during lunch to continue the ‘battle’ unfortunately it was a repeat of the Norwich encounter and both doubles went to the Hunstanton side, thus we lost 8 - 10.
Thanks were given to Hunstanton for their hospitality and friendly demeanor.

Sunday 8th August
                              Friendly versus Norwich
On a glorious summers day the return game was played once again in warm spirit. At each stage of the day honours were shared and at the end of the day with each player having played four games both sides had won six games. a fitting result to a perfect day. Thanks were given to Carole Ward for being timekeeper and ensuring everyone was well catered for with drinks throughout the day.
The visitors Captain thanked the club for an enjoyable day and hoped these games could continue annually.
 Cakes and refreshments kindly provided by those of the home side, and appreciated by all.
 

Saturday 21st May
                                    STOW PAN
A Close contest was fought out between Jonathan Toye, Don Butters and Martyn Brown. Jonathon and Don fought out the first battle with Jonathan becoming the victor. On a scorching hot day Don was to play again against Martyn, Don once again failing to reach the peg first. With both members having one win under their belts this was to be the decider. Martin claiming nine extra shots in a bid to curb a Toye onslaught lost the toss and Jonathan elected for Martyn to go first.. Martyn started in fine form only to falter and allow Jonathan on to the court. Jonathan crept ahead but made some simple mistakes to allow Martyn back on, however even with his extra shots he could not stop Jonathan from getting away and eventually pegging out.

SUNDAY 16th May
                      Golf League away to Norwich
Lost 10 - 8
David, Chris, Carole and Heather traveled to Norwich in this seasons first league match. very handy using two courts.All Downham players feeling very nervous and after the first round of games all was square. This was to be the situation through all the single games. So after 16 games it was tied 8 apiece. David and Carole were paired together as was Chris and Heather. D and C had three extra shots to play but could not use them to gain enough advantage and at the bell 5 -3 down. Chris and Heather with no extra shots held close but failed by 5-4 thus the game going to Norwich 10 - 8.

A very friendly team who gave support and encouragement to the newcomers throughout the day. Tea and coffee available all day and two nice sponges for tea to finish the day. 

Sunday 18th April
 
The gardens were open for the first time this year and lots of members came to play along with a good crowd of visitors on holiday in the area who had a go at the Come and try it session.

Saturday 10th April
 
The season opened at Stow on a glorious day with a good turnout of members new and old playing Association, Golf and ever so slightly manic Pirates. We had a splendid lunch in the sunshine in front of the clubhouse. Roll on summer!

6 - 12 March 2010
Downham member Jonathan Toye took part for the first time in the Western Province tournament in Somerset West, S Africa. Somerset West is a friendly club with four lawns and a cool clubhouse, well stocked with cold beer/white wine (very necessary when playing temperatures reached 45 degrees C). Like most tournaments, the social aspect played as important a role as the croquet with copious amounts of fine food and wine being consumed every evening in the wonderful restaurants and wineries of the Western Cape

Sunday 14th March
   Two members, Chris and David, played their first ever competition (Golf) at Soham on the indoor carpet. After much trepidation and concern settled into the competition. Their first game was against Hunstanton ‘A’ which was lost by two hoops, however the second game showed improvement by recording a draw. This was then followed by a win. Alas the next two games went to their opposition but in the final game their second win was achieved and thus finished fourth on the day.