Our team of 6 was captained in style by our ex President Jeffrey Bonas, and comprised lead pair David Norris and Stephen Bois, central pair Steve Posford and Hugh Stevenson, anchor pair Andrew Aylwin with Jeffrey. Much appreciated support on the course was given by George Rothman who as ever was quick to recognise the matches needing most boosting at crucial times.
Our first encounter, after a stiff early morning team talk by our Captain who instructed us to ‘go out and get ‘em’, was happily won 2-1 against current holders Marlborough after some ultra close matches, the winning ones coming down to the 17th. and 18th., so no pushovers in rapidly changing showery conditions. Our lead pair had to be somewhat sacrificed to face a once 1 handicapper and almost equally effective older partner, but dogged perseverance in the other 2 exciting matches saw us home. Lunch was taken in a serious vein, with our team careful not to get too distracted by E U discussions, in preparation for the afternoon encounter with The Leys.
Thus our quarter final produced another 2-1 victory with all matches going to the wire, e.g. our lead pair had to birdie the 18th. to win theirs after a masterly long approach shot by David and a nerve jangling putt by Stephen. The consistency of Steve and Hugh eventually wore down their opponents. Again the weather proved fickle.
Semi Finals Day morning was bright and sunny, but heavy rain during lunch most unfortunately threatened our Very Senior team going out p.m. We were faced with the less sunny prospect of squaring up to Tonbridge (who had won the Hewitt in April), and as always fielded a very strong side. They did in the event prove just too strong by beating us 2-1, though again Steve and Hugh prevailed in their match by some tenacious play and wonderfully accurate chipping by Hugh.
Maybe next year we can improve to reach the final, but we do need some more lower handicap players to counter the best that other schools are able to field – at present we don’t even have a reserve player or two to call on as we have in the past when fresh legs are required to bolster ageing stamina!
So a Plea for Help – Is there anyone aged over 65 years out there and willing to take up such a challenge?! Please do not hesitate to contact Jeffrey Bonas, Senior Darwin OH Captain, if you think you can contribute!
The team ex Tom Webb behind the camera!
Tom Webb, the camera man
