Golf 2004
School v OBs, May 2004, at Tiverton Golf Club
Once again the annual battle commenced, with the pupil team being an interesting blend of the over-confident, the wary, the down-right petrified and the press-ganged. It is unfortunate that several first team players had prior engagements for their home clubs and the usual demands of a 24/7 curriculum saw drama and coursework also take their toll. Still, a fine cohort with an interesting international flavour, assembled with the threat of drizzle ever increasing, even before the school dining room had served up breakfast! The morning foursomes was won by Ali Norris, playing with Richard Swarbrick and Ali scooped a very impressive new golf bag as his reward. The lunch was the normal substantial affair with liberal servings of Tawny lubricating old joints. The pupils, having been warned off the Kümmel, proceeded to come a comfortable second yet again by 6 to 3. A victorious OB jubilantly declared that the aniseed-based concoction makes the hole look twice as large when putting and so perhaps next year it should be made compulsory fortification for the pupils after their roast! Ali Norris completed an excellent day by posting an early win on the board and young Richard Carroll showed maturity beyond his years on his debut by putting one over experienced campaigner, Andrew Whitefield. The final victory was carded by George Lyon, whose handicap is clearly the first number he thought of plus 10. George completed an unlucky day for the Whitefields in embarrassing a rather shell-shocked Will by a disgraceful margin; words will be had!
Many thanks must go to Simon Waddington and all his OBs, who so selflessly give up a whole Sunday to entertain the school team. It is greatly appreciated by both staff and pupils. A special thanks must go to the OB President, William Moberly, who again this year is putting up a prize for the pupil who lowers his or her handicap the most over the summer season. Last year's prize winner and current school captain, Dougal Lyon, once again led the team with enthusiasm and dignity and his impromptu words after lunch were delivered with poise and sincerity. PGK
| Afternoon Singles | |||||
| OBs | School | ||||
| Simon Waddington | M 71-75 | won 4 & 3 | v | Dougal Lyon (capt') | SH/FH/W 97-04 |
| Chris Gibson | M 69-73 | lost 2 & 1 | v | Ali Norris | OH 00- |
| Richard Swarbrick | M 77-82 | won! | v | David Wustendorfer | FH 03-04 |
| William Moberly | OH 52-56 | won 5 & 4 | v | Charlie Bond | FH 03- |
| Gary Banfield | M 77-80 | won 5 & 3 | v | Thomas Hinrichsen | FH 03- |
| Andrew Whitefield | NC 57-62 | lost 2 & 1 | v | Richard Carroll | OH 03- |
| Will Whitefield | FH 94-99 | lost 7 & 6 | v | George Lyon | SH/P 98- |
| Richard Maunder | P 78-83 | won 2 & 1 | v | Torben Pinck | FH 03-04 |
| Peter Crews | M 70-75 | won 2 & 1 | v | Fraser Spackman | FH 03- |
v Millfield - Our first ever golf match against Millfield was a rather damp affair; four hours of steady drizzle to be precise! The match was played at Oake Manor GC which stood up to the rain very well and for most of the players it was their first visit there. Although all three 4 balls were lost the games were close and finished on the 16th, 17th and 18th. We will hope to do better on our home course for the return in June.
v Exeter School - What an excellent match and not just for the result! On a lovely sunny evening all three 4 balls went to the 18th with Dougal Lyon and Alex Howe halving, Ali Norris and Robert Parker winning 1 up and George Lyon and young Luke Sansom halving. The return game away at East Devon should be a great test for the squad, who are really beginning to develop a strong team spirit and a genuine enjoyment of competitive golf.