Gwent Golf Union
Match Report - Channel League Gloucestershire v Gwent 5th October 2025
Resurgent Gwent Side Dispatched by League Champions
Cotswold Hills provided the stage, the wind its relentless chorus, as Gloucestershire – the reigning Channel League champions – reminded a reshaped Gwent side of the standards required at the summit, clinching their 3rd consecutive league title
Battling fierce gusts and a confident home team, Gwent, fielding several new faces, found themselves on the wrong end of a heavy defeat.
The tone was set early. In the morning foursomes, Gloucestershire’s precision and familiarity proved decisive. The opening pairing of Logan Westley and Dan King, drafted in as a late replacement, began brightly before the home side took control around the turn, closing out a 3&2 victory. Behind them, Rowberry and junior international Ferns struggled to find momentum, outplayed by an experienced duo. The pattern continued as Coombes and Palmer went down despite flashes of promise, while juniors Oli Hulbert and Oscar Riley endured a stern introduction to Channel League intensity.
Even the pairing of County champion Piers Murphy and David Price couldn’t halt the tide, losing narrowly in a contest that saw Price’s unbeaten streak end – a mark of how well the home side performed.
At 5–0 down by lunch, the mountain proved insurmountable. To their credit, Gwent fought with spirit in the afternoon singles, several matches going deep into the closing holes. But Gloucestershire’s depth told once again, claiming 7.5 points to seal a comprehensive victory. Consolation wins from King and Price, and a hard-earned half from Ferns down the last, provided modest reward for the visitors’ resilience.
If the scoreline was harsh, the experience was invaluable. Several juniors gained exposure to the sharp end of county golf, and the spirit within the camp remains buoyant.
Season Summary and Standout Performers
Despite the closing setback, Gwent’s 2025 campaign has been one of genuine progress. Fourth place overall represents the county’s first top-half finish in more than a decade, underpinned by two wins from the final three fixtures.
In the individual standings, Matt Coombes and David Price shared top honours in singles points, with Price edging the overall tally – an impressive feat achieved in just four matches, reflecting both form and impact. Captain King led foursomes points scoring for 2025, winning points across 3 partners mention must go to David Price, Logan Wesltey and Rob Smith for their strong partnerships this season.
With momentum building and young talent emerging, the signs are promising for 2026 – a Channel League season that Gwent will approach not as underdogs, but as genuine contenders.
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