Match Manager Adrian Wood (Al. 1971-76) reports:
Wednesday 25th June saw our over 50’s team of 3 pairs tee off in Round one against Berkhamsted. Pairs 1&2 were involved in high quality battles that were always nip and tuck. Meanwhile match 3, of Justin Wash (Br,Ch. 1979-84) and James Bell (Ry. 1982-87), closed out their opponents on the 16th green, with a win. We needed one of the other matches to go our way. Pair 1, Riaz Rattansi (Ch. 1985-90) and Julian Hunt (Du. 1984-87) were all square on 18 but lost the last. Then, our second match involving Julian Tate (Du. 1982-87) and Chris Gates (Ry. 1985-90) saw both pairs achieve par on the last hole but which meant they lost 1 down. A narrow 2-1 loss.
For the Plate we saw a change of 2 players, with Rattansi and Wash stepping aside for Adrian Wood (Al. 1971-76) and Robin Colbourne (He. 1960-65). James Bell moved up into the first pair with Julian Hunt. Comprehensive wins at pairs 1&2 against St Bees meant that the 3rd pair were called in with a half resulting in a 2 1/2 – ½ victory. Round 2 was played in the afternoon versus City of London and we managed the same scoreline against them. So, we progressed to the semi-finals and a match against Whitgift, last year’s main tournament champions.
In the semi-final, Pair 1 won on the 16th green, leaving 2 games out on the course and one win required. Unfortunately, Whitgift proved too strong, and Game 2 lost on the 14th green and then game 3, conceding nearly 40 years to their opponents, lost on the 16th green. Whitgift went onto win the final 3-0.
The tournament, played on a great course and in wonderful weather was enjoyed by all. We left in good spirits and hoping for a long run in the event next June.
Photo attached - R. Rattansi and J. Wash were absent.