The team had an excellent run in the Cyril Gray plate this year.
We lost to Brighton in the first round who were very strong. Unfortunately we were without two of our better players, Roger Kelly and Matt Aldous, but nonetheless we had high hopes.
Simon Anthony and Mat Flint played top, Jeremy Brewer and David Sommerville the second match, and Jonathan Swinney and Colin Webb the final game. The first 2 games lost and so Jonathan and Colin were called in when ahead.

We played our old rivals St Paul’s in the plate first round. David Sommerville had to go home each afternoon so I played, and we won the first 2 games, so Swinney and Flint were again called in when ahead.

On Thursday we played Ampleforth in the quarter final, and we prevailed in a very tight match. Jeremy and David lost on the last, and Jonathan and I won (Colin could not play that day) by 2/1, so it was all down to Mat and Simon. After a good putt by Mat secured a half at the 19th, Simon holed a 15’ putt on the second for a 4, whereupon their opponents took 3 putts from nearer the hole to lose the match. Phew!

We were now in our 3rd semi final in 3 years and hoping for a first appearance in a final for some time. We played Glenalmond, and were restored to the original, and strongest team.
In another very tight match, with the score at 1 match each, (Swinney and Webb were final allowed to finish a match and won), Brewer and Sommerville won 17 to square the whole match. A quite brilliant pitch from behind the green by Jeremy left David an 8’ putt. Their opponents were on in 2 but a long way away, and came up to about 5’. David calmly rolled his putt to the hole side, where the ball took some 9.5 seconds before deciding to drop in. Glenalmond missed so we were in the final.
Sadly it was not a fairy tail ending. David again had to leave, so I played with Jeremy, and after an excellent game we lost 3/2 to Merchants Taylor pair 2.
Mat and Simon had a ding dong battle in the top match, playing two fine golfers. Jonathan and Colin played their usual solid game and were dormy 2 up when called in after Mat and Simon had lost on the 18th.

We had a fabulous 3 days at Worplesdon which was in great condition. As ever the event was superbly organised, and the weather was if anything too hot!

Below is a photo of the team. If you would be interested in playing in the future let me know. The criteria is to be over 50 when the event starts (end of June), and available for 3 midweek days. Oh and to be happy to play scratch foursomes over 5 rounds if necessary and to enjoy it.

Please click on the photo below to view the photo of the team.
Many thanks

Peter Foord

Hon Sec