On 21 April 2019 South of Scotland hosted an inaugural and experimental match against their compatriots from Northumberland at Southerness with a view to making it an annual event. Northumberland brought a very experienced squad and fun fourball foursomes over 9 holes were played in the morning to let the visitors get accustomed to playing a Scottish links course. No scores were recorded but friendships were made.

On a course in very good condition Michael Grunwell (D&G) led the South team off in the afternoon singles against a very strong opponent and lost by 4 & 3. Dougie Borland (Southerness) then used his local knowledge to good effect to win by 3 & 2

Jamie Parker (Southerness), Garry Morrison (D&C), Dean Armstrong (Lochmaben), Craig Scobie (D&G), and Neil Hamilton (D&G) all suffered defeats before Andy Kerr (Crichton) who played very steadily recorded another welcome victory by 3 & 1

Unfortunately the rot had set in and Craig Hill (Lochmaben), Steve Hislop (Lochmaben) and Greg Blayney (Southerness) were all beaten and it was left to Robbie McBeth (Lochmaben) to record a well – earned half on the eighteenth green.

The Northumberland team showed their superiority in the match score of South 2½ games to Northumberland 9½ games. Already arrangements are being made for a return match in Northumberland next year.

Individual Scores

Michael Grunwell (D&G) lost to A Minnikin by 4 & 3

Dougie Borland (Southerness) beat P Ridden by 3 & 2

Jamie Parker (Southerness) lost to A Dixon by 4 & 3

Garry Morrison (D&C) lost to M Wharton by 5 & 4

Dean Armstrong (Lochmaben) lost to K Gray by 5 & 4

Craig Scobie (D&G) lost to I Henderson by 2 & 1

Neil Hamilton (D&G) lost to N Graham by one hole

Andy Kerr (Crichton) beat J J Shelvey by 3 & 1

Craig Hill (Lochmaben) lost to C Fenny by 3 & 2

Steve Hislop (Lochmaben) lost to J Lingard by 2 & 1

Robbie McBeth (Lochmaben) halved with D Shevill

Greg Blayney (Southerness) lost to K Mossom by 3 & 2