South West Week 2025 – Day 6: Friday Frustration for Cornwall, But No Wooden Spoon

Cornwall closed out their South West Week campaign with another tough result, falling to host county Wiltshire by 12.25 – 1.75 at Cumberwell Park. A heavy scoreline that, once again, didn’t reflect the closeness of several matches.

Starting on the 10th tee, Cornwall were level with Wiltshire through 9 holes in the singles. But the final stretch proved costly — with only Tom Stephens securing a win. Three other matches slipped away late, with two losses on the 18th and one on the 17th.

With the threat of the wooden spoon looming, Cornwall headed into the afternoon foursomes needing to claw back ground. The highlight came from Stephens & Billy Downing, who secured a half point, thanks in part to Billy’s spectacular 300-yard driver off the deck, finding the green and setting up a birdie.

That 0.75 point turned out to be decisive — just enough to edge out Devon for fifth place in the final standings by a mere 0.25 points.

📊 Friday Scores

📈 Final Matchplay Table

Standout Performers

🏆 Brandon Skidmore (Gloucestershire) won the Clifford Burden Trophy, with 9 points from a possible 10.

🌟 Tom Stephens was Cornwall’s top scorer, finishing 6th overall with 7.5 points.

Other top Duchy contributors:

• Matt Richards – 5.5

• George Law, Jon Hancock & Ethan Tempest – 3

• Sam Crocker – 2.5

• Louis Archer & Billy Downing – 2

• Jamie Greet & Brandon Armitage – 1.5

Team Recognition

County Captain Adam Bridgewater awarded county badges and ties to Armitage and Downing, with heartfelt thanks to caddies Nick Datson, Andy Beazley, Mark Greet, Derek Law, and Chris Pountney.

In return, Matt Richards presented Bridgewater with a thank-you gift on behalf of the team, along with a special presentation to Chris Pountney, marking his final SW Week as County Secretary and long-serving caddie.

The week also saw the handover of SWCGA presidency, as Geoff Titt (Wiltshire) received his past president’s badge from incoming president John Smith (Dorset).

🗓 Next year’s SWCGA Championship Week will take place at Isle of Purbeck GC, Dorset – 7th to 12th June 2026.