Gwent Golf Union
Match Report - Channel League Gwent v Devon 21st September 2025
King Clinches Home Win Against Devon at Fortress Llanwern
Gwent rediscovered their winning touch at Llanwern, producing a gritty and ultimately decisive display against Devon to reignite their Channel League campaign. On a blustery, softened course, the hosts showed both resilience and steel to close out a much-needed victory and restore momentum heading into the season’s closing stretch.
The morning foursomes set the tone. County stalwarts Logan Westley and Rhys Pescod combined with assurance to topple Devon’s leading pair, a partnership that looks increasingly formidable for future campaigns. Behind them, the big-hitting duo of Matt Coombes and Greg Harris ground out a determined half to edge Gwent ahead. But the visitors struck back. St Pierre’s pairing of Phil Smith and Matt Burton succumbed to Devon pressure, before Greenmeadow’s James Drury and debutant Johnny Ryan slipped to defeat on the 17th. Balance was restored by Newport’s steady combination of David Price and Daniel King, who anchored the session with authority to leave the morning spoils shared.
That stalemate set the stage for an absorbing singles contest. Devon’s Will Farley drew first blood, edging out a spirited Westley to hand the visitors early momentum. Yet Gwent’s middle order was immovable. Pescod and Price, imperious in this format, extended their unbeaten streaks with commanding victories. Coombes added further weight with another point, sealing an undefeated day of his own and nudging the hosts within sight of the finish line.
Still, Devon were not ready to fold. Harris was turned over 3&2 in the late matches, before veteran Phil Smith rolled back the years. In a game of outstanding quality, he conjured a nerveless par on the last to secure a half that proved invaluable in the context of the afternoon. Ryan, showing no sign of debut nerves, delivered a statement win on the 15th, while Drury battled valiantly but fell to a relentless opponent.
As so often between these two sides, the match came down to the wire. One point was all Gwent required. Burton fought hard but was edged out, leaving the weight of expectation squarely on captain King in the anchor role. Level through 14, the captain delivered when it mattered most, producing clutch pars at 15 and 16 to go dormie before closing the match on 17.
For Gwent, after successive defeats, this was a victory of substance and significance. It ensures a chance to finish in the league’s top half and builds vital momentum for the winter ahead. Llanwern once again underlined its status as a fortress for the county, while undefeated days for Price, King, Coombes and Pescod were central to the outcome. Big contributions from Smith and debutant Ryan in the afternoon proved just as pivotal.
With two matches in the next fortnight, Gwent have the chance not just to finish strongly but to remind the Channel League that they are a county of pedigree and resolve, not to be taken lightly.
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