Thu 12th Apr
It was good to see a very competitive selection process for this year’s team, and it is encouraging that we continue to see more young members of the society pushing for selection.
Halford_Hewitt
In addition to Jerome Ponniah who played last year, this year we were joined by his elder brother Sam, as well as Hamish Morrison. I cannot understate how beneficial it is to get new blood in the team, and if we can continue this trend in the coming years, then this can only be positive. I would also like to thank all those who took time out to play in the warm up games in January and February, particularly to the likes of Alaister Orchard and Emilio Weldon.
Round 1
First round this year was against Rossall at George’s, who beat us in 2005. As expected, it was a rigorous examination against some very tough competition. In true Harrow style, we needed the full 18 holes and a bit more. Bain and Box played a decent round at top and rounded out 2/1 winners. Fricker and Morrison at 2 won a good game up 18 to get two points on the board. Meanwhile, having lost the first four holes, Tindall and Ruffell at bottom pair faced an uphill struggle all the way round and succumbed by the 16th. Caspar Hill and Jerome Ponniah were unlucky to lose 2/1.
With two points apiece, it was up to Warman and Clarke to get the job done. At one down with two to go, it was all to do. A great approach from Clarke at 17 set up a birdie to take it down the last, which was playing long, into the wind. Clarke hit one of the great approach shots for 3 from about 60 yards to about 18 inches, needing a four to win. Unfortunately, the putt didn’t even sniff the hole, so it was down 19. With a large spectator gallery, Clarke hit a 6 iron to 30 feet and Warman rattled in the put for a birdie three. The opposition then missed from 15 feet, and the win was secured. Despite missing a sitter at 18, birdies at 17 and 19 were very impressive from the Harrow duo, and spared Warman the obvious comparison to some of the game’s greats, such as Doug Sanders.
Round 2
Trent were the next opposition, and with a number of very classy players in their side, were not to be under-estimated at all. In the end, some solid play from all five Harrow pairs resulted in a 4.5 point to 0.5 point win, albeit it was much closer than the score might suggest. Bain and Box were the only non-winners, and were called in from the 19th green having halved in 4. Notable wins for Fricker and Morrison and the Ponniah Brothers. Warman and Tindall, and Caspar and Clarke saw closer games, but always seemed to be in control. In all, a very solid performance against what could have a been a difficult opponent. Special mention to Bain and Box’s oppo who were no more than 3 feet away in two at holes 4, 13 and 15, but gutsy determination ensured they were un-rattled. Several hours practice putting at Deal then ensued, with the new boys walking away with the money.
Round 3
It was over to Deal for Round 3 against Radley – the greens were a little bit quicker, and the non-existent rough of George’s had been replaced by some pretty deep stuff at Deal. The mood in the camp was decent, and with some more fair weather in prospect, spirits were high. With 11 players in the squad, there were further tweaks, with Morrison being rested at the expense of Ruffell who had sat out Friday. The team was Bain + Box, Warman and Tindall, Fricker and Caspar, Jerome and Tristan, Miles and Sam. Two points were put on the Board with 3/2 wins from the top two pairs. That left one point being required from three games.
Unfortunately Tristan and Sam succumbed by 15, leaving Harrow 2 up with 3 to go (Fricker and Hill) and 3 up with 5 to go (Miles and Jerome). We thought we’d probably done enough, but this competition has a nasty habit of coming back to bite…some awful luck to Fricker and Hill saw them end up losing down 19, and Jerome and Miles were on the end of a classy up and down by the oppo at 18 to also lose.
“Disappointing” doesn’t really sum up what happened – we nearly had the lid nailed down, and were very unfortunate to lose. However, as a captain, there are always positive to take away. Radley went on to beat Tonbridge in the Quarters – a team which we lost to in 2011 at the same point in the week. We know we can beat these top sides, and it was a shame that we didn’t get the chance to extract revenge one year on.
I am immensely thankful to all those who took time out to play in the team this year. Additionally, our loyal band off supporters in the form of Wilson, Rothman and Webb should receive considerable credit for their dedication to the cause – it makes such a difference to see a few friendly faces on the way round – we look forward to seeing you again next year, and we will continue to try to reduce the amount of “amateurish” play that you have to put up with.
I am hopeful that one or two “missing players” from this year might be available next year – Low, Rawal, Brewer, P Hill and Harmsworth would add a mixture of experience and youth (in the latter case only!). As a team, I have no doubt that we can beat the very best teams and win the competition. I am also enthused to see more players joining the team in their 20s – the likes of the Ponniahs, Hamish and Rupert Harmsworth will ensure that we remain strong in the coming years and decades. It is also good to see that the trial games in January and February are receiving ever increased levels of interest from new and old, and this should ensure that the pipeline of new talent continues to progress.
If anyone would like to be considered for next year’s Hewitt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Till next year….
Will Bain
Captain Halford Hewitt team
