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OBs v School 1st XI
In a time when Covid-19 seemed to be stopping everything in its tracks, it was something else that put a stop to completing the OBs fixture this year: the old foe of the English Weather.
The OBs had assembled what was a rather talented squad and one that really could have challenged the School 1st XI for the first time in a while. They did manage to get their innings in before the rain came down but posted a rather modest total of 118-5 (Sam Masters 8, Jack Fosberry 15, Charlie Nicholls 11, Toby Lazeris 31, Milo Skelton 16, Lawrence Snookes 18* and Josh Barton 6*).
This did not worry the OBs unduly though, because they had brought one of their strongest bowling attacks – it’s just a shame we never got to see them in action! Rain stopped play after lunch and the match was abandoned. Spirits were still high as the OBs and 1st XI ended up playing their own mini game while the rain came down on the outfield. It was all finished off with what turned into a rather competitive training session for both squads from Mr Campbell!
OBs Squad: Josh Barton (Sp ’19), Larry Eaton (Hon), Jack Fosberry (Re ’16), Toby Lazeris (SH ’20), Charlie Nicholls (Ch ’17), Sam Masters (Ch ’14), Anna Nicholls (Ch ’16), Xavier Owen (SH ’15), Milo Skelton (Ch ’17), Lawrence Snookes (Na ’19), Jamie Woodley (Sp ’18). Larry Eaton (Hon)
Eton Fives
Derek Whitehead Trophy Tournament 2021 Sunday 19th September 2021, Berkhamsted School Castle Courts
After a year’s break the annual Derek Whitehead (Ad ’49) tournament took place last September. Now in its sixth year since its inaugural event, the tournament sees current pupils pairing up with Old Berkhamstedians, staff and guests to help promote strong ties between the OB and School community for a fun and social but competitive tournament. After a slight re-jig to the draw owing to a couple of no-shows, we still had another great turnout with 36 players taking part. The School pupils saw representation from Year 7 to Year 10, while the adult players saw a mix of staff and OBs ranging from recent leavers to veterans of the game.
The 18 pairs were split into two pools of five and two pools of four across the six courts, with the top two from each group going through to the main competition, while those who missed out would enter the Derek Whitehead Plate. Players took part in a frenzy of quickfire matches only up to 8 points, which saw lots of great competitive but also good-spirited games across the board. There were no real favourites this year, making the draw particularly hard to seed, but this did also add to the excitement of the unknown as to who would progress through the day’s tournament. After about an hour and a half’s play, the participants retired for a well-earned BBQ break kindly put on by the Chartwells team before the next round.
Quarter-Finals (one game to 12, no setting)
Lots of the matches were very close across the board – so much, in fact, that only three of the 18 pairs won all their games in the Pool Stages. This led to some serious number-crunching for the organiser to work out the remaining five pairs to qualify! There was also a real mix of players who had made this stage, with the youngest player being 11 and the oldest around his 70s (it was better not to ask for an exact number at the time!) All four games saw some top rally play from all players, but the most closely contested saw Will Roen-Tate (Gr ’15) and his partner Tom M (Co Y7) having a tough battle against our top Sixth Form player and Senior Fives Captain Jack Pemberton paired with new squad player Monty H (Lx Y7). It was nip and tuck all the way but Roen-Tate and Tom managed to just edge out their opposition at the end 12-10.
n Richard Dennis (Be ’74) & Zac S (Lx Y8) BEAT Jon Shorrocks (Co ’77) & Leo H (Fr Y7)........................12-4 n Charles Holroyd (As ’11) & James B (Gr Y8) BEAT Grant McWalter (Staff) & Patrick P (Sw Y10)...................12-3 n Alex Rattan (SG ’11) & Matt B (Co Y7) BEAT Chris Davey (Staff) & Jack S (Sw Y7) ......................12-4 n Will Roen-Tate (Gr ’15) & Tom M (Co Y7)
BEAT Jack Pemberton (Ha Y13) & Monty H (Lx Y7) ...................12-10
Semi-Finals (one game to 12, normal setting)
After a short break we moved into the business end of the competition. On one side of the draw we saw the wily veteran Richard Dennis and Year 8 Fives
Captain Zac S taking on the youth of OB Roen-Tate and Tom M. It was a great match, with lots of superb set-piece play from both sides and all four players. In the end it was Richard’s experience and wisdom towards his young partner that paid off as they just kept ahead of their junior opponents throughout the game before claiming the win.
The other side of the draw saw former teammates and school fives partners Rattan and Holroyd go head-to-head, ably supported by their young partners. This was a very different game of fives from the other semi-final with lots of long drawn-out high-intensity rallies; all four players were moving frantically around the court to dig up balls, attack volleys and try to keep the pressure on their opponents. It was great to see the two junior boys not being fazed by the hard-hitting shots of their opponents and they themselves being fully immersed in each and every rally. The game could have gone either way and reached 10-10, where the decision was made to play up to step on 12 up to 13. In the end it was actually some fine cut returning by young James B that allowed them to nick the last few points, putting him and Holroyd through to the final.
n Richard Dennis & Zac S BEAT
Will Roen-Tate & Tom M...............12-8 n Charles Holroyd & James B BEAT
Alex Rattan & Matt B................ 13-10 And so we reached the grand finale! This was Richard’s second final, having won the event back in 2018 and clearly looking to be the first individual to have their name engraved on the Derek Whitehead Trophy twice since its creation back in 2015. It was a shaky start from the adult players, either due to their exertion from the semi-final stage or just nerves, whereas both the School pupils seemed the calmest and most relaxed on court. The two pairs had very different game play styles: Richard had clearly educated his young partner in the finer points of fives with both playing a very delicate game, making sure to place the ball in just the right areas of the court to try and cause their opponents to make the mistakes; young James B had evidently picked up on his partner Holroyd’s style of fives with lots of quick and lightning movement across the court to intercept volleys and play a very attacking game to keep the pressure on their opponents. In the end it was the latter pair’s style that claimed the first set, seeing them take the lead with a 12-7 win.
In between sets Richard imparted more fine wisdom to his young partner and it clearly paid off, with them getting off to a strong start, taking an early lead with a few quick points. Holroyd and James B were unfazed, however, and set about correcting their situation. The top-step play from both teams was superb, but it was the back court play where the differences showed. Some lovely angle shots from the Holroyd and James B duo, as well as some storming strong strikes deep to the back left and right corners, allowed them to pick up the points by almost powering their opponents off the court. Young Zac S wasn’t going down without a fight though and some excellent top-step play with retrieval and attacking volleys kept him and Richard in the game. It was all a little too late, however, and Holroyd and James B managed to edge out the last few points to match their first set scoreline and take the 2021 title.
2021 Winners Charles Holroyd & James B
n Charles Holroyd & James B BEAT
Richard Dennis & Zac S ......... 12-7, 12-7
Plate Competition
A relatively new addition to the overall tournament format, the Plate was introduced last time around owing to both the ever-increasing size of the entry and the desire of players for more fives after the group stages. The remaining 10 pairs were split into two pools of five, the plan being for the top two to go through to a semi-final and then the final itself. Despite the short games of step on 5 first to 6, the pool rounds took a long time as all the games were of a very close and similar standard. For this reason, the decision was taken to simply promote the top pair from each pool straight into a final. In the end this saw OB and ex Head Boy James Green (Tu ’20) with his relatively new-to-the-game partner Harry B (Be Y8) taking on his former fellow School teammate Ashley Hornsey (Bu ’20) and young partner Beau C (Lx Y7). The game was shortened to a single set to 8, step on 7, and the delay in the pools actually added to the event with the Plate Final taking place after the Main Final, meaning all eyes were on this match.
Again, it was a high-quality game with all four players throwing themselves into the match and the School lads having full supporting roles. In the end it came down to being a game of ‘mistakes’, with Green and Harry B just playing a slightly tighter version of fives, keeping the ball in and safe, forcing their opponents to make the mistakes and hand them the points. James Green had started the game with a slightly softer cut towards his young opposition Beau, but after seeing the ball come back with interest he decided to up his game and hit a full cut; this was also ably returned by the young Loxwood player, which kept him and Ashley in the game throughout, thanks to his fine set-piece play. In the end Green and Harry B managed to just edge out their opposition in the last few points to claim the Derek Whitehead 2021 Plate.
Plate Winners James Green & Harry B
n James Green (Tu ’20) & Harry B (Be Y8)
BEAT Ashley Hornsey (Bu ’20) &
Beau C (Lx Y8) .........................8-5
Despite the slightly delayed start time, it was great to see we had wrapped everything up with a slightly earlier finish time, at around 3.30pm, which allowed more time for everyone to catch up and socialise with refreshments and nibbles in Old Hall. A fine speech was then given by the Master in Charge, Martin Pett, with Derek Whitehead himself kindly in attendance to hand out the trophies to the deserved winners.
As always there are a number of individuals to thank for making the event the great success it always is: firstly to the Chartwells catering staff, for hosting and looking after us so well with both the fine BBQ and refreshments at the end of the day; to all the staff and parents, who had simply turned out to support the event and the day, which really helped add to the wonderful atmosphere that was created; to all the players, both adults and pupils, for giving up their time to come and take part and enjoy what has become one of the highlights of the Old Berkhamstedians sports calendar; and finally, to the man himself, Derek Whitehead, not only for supporting on the day, but for his tireless effort and commitment to Berkhamsted Fives both at School and still going to this day. Berkhamsted Fives certainly wouldn’t be in the fine state we have it at today, if not for the solid foundations he has maintained over all these years.
We hope to welcome even more OBs next year to continue to grow the event, whether they’re players on the day or guests enjoying the occasion with us. Here’s looking forward to the 2022 tournament and seeing you all on court soon.
Anthony Theodossi (Staff)
Football
OBFC 2020/2021 season review
The spectre of the pandemic hung over Old Berkhamstedians FC last season, but the club were still able to play a number of fixtures in a highly truncated league.
Spirits were high but fitness was low as the squad emerged from lockdown-induced hibernation, and dubious claims of ‘honestly, skipper, I’ve been doing sprint training’ were brutally exposed in some entertaining but exhausting pre-season friendlies, including a fantastic 2-1 win against an Old Arthurian powerhouse, Old Wykehamists.
The squad, led for the final season by club stalwart Alex Stewart (Ha ’08) and supported by future club captain Ollie Hopkins (Ha ’12), went into the season with renewed enthusiasm.
From there, OBFC went on to deliver an unprecedented unbeaten league season. Now, when we say ‘unprecedented’, this is because the season only lasted five games. And when we say ‘unbeaten’, it’s because the club drew all of them. However, an unbeaten season is historic whichever way you look at it – just ask Arsène Wenger.
There were hard-fought stalemates with Salopians, Malvern, Lancing and Rugby and a particularly satisfying backs-against-the-wall draw behind enemy lines away at Chigwell.
The squad deserve huge credit for continuing to play through such challenging conditions. It is a bizarre sight to see a group of full-grown men searching for socks in a kit bag on the side of a main road because all changing facilities at grounds remained closed owing to Covid, but it was symbolic of the passion we all continue to have for this fantastic club, even in the most difficult circumstances.
We are now back in full swing, with a brilliant blend of youth and experience flowing through both our First and Second team squads – both based in Barnes, South West London. The 1st XI are in a four-way fight for promotion to the Arthurian Premier League, while the Seconds continue their meteoric rise as a new club, sitting top of their division with firm eyes on a league title.
As ever, we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to come and play!
The Old Berkhamstedians Golfing Society is open to all OBs and staff of Berkhamsted School. The Spring Meeting (Friday 20th May 2022) at Berkhamsted GC and the Autumn Meeting (Wednesday 28th September 2022) at Ashridge GC are social events and all golfers are welcome whether you are looking to shoot a course record, or you are more of a weekend warrior.
Throughout the summer we have several friendly matches against other societies and local golf clubs, as well as entering teams into a number of scratch golf competitions including the Halford Hewitt, Grafton Morrish, Cyril Gray and Schools Putting Competition.
The society is always keen to hear from new members, especially recent school leavers. For those under 30, the society subsidises the cost of attending meetings by up to 50%.
If you would like more information or wish to be added to the mailing list and receive a copy of the society diary, please email oldberkhamstediansgolf@gmail.com. Matthew Dennehy (Ch ’06)
Grafton Morrish Trophy Gog Magog Golf Club, 17th May 2021
After failing to qualify for the 2019 Finals, the selectors put out three strong pairs for the qualifying round at Gog Magog Golf Club on 17th May. Our team duly responded, with Glenn Barrington (Co ’88) and Chris Mach (Bu ’10) returning the best individual score, a level-par round contributing 36 points, closely followed by Jim Northway (Ad ’82) and Mike McGrory (Be ’10) with 34 points which, together with the contribution from Toby Morris (Bu ’03) and Bradley Hucker (Ch ’19), saw our team qualify in joint first place.
In the Finals we received a bye in to the second round on 1st October, where we were drawn to play at Brancaster against Bolton who we had defeated on the way to winning the Trophy in 2007. Once again we emerged victorious, with our top pair, Charlie Creasy (Ha ’11) and Matt McGrory (As ’11), and third pair, Glenn Barrington and Jeremy O’Neill (Ch ’09), delivering comfortable wins to compensate for the narrow defeat suffered by Ross Anderson (Gr ’97) and Mike McGrory.
Our reward was a third-round match the following morning at Hunstanton against Eton. After unpromising starts, all three pairs rallied to ensure a tight finish. Charlie and Matt produced a final-hole birdie to bring their game back to all-square and, under the rules of the competition, then had to await the outcome of the other two games to see if a play-off was necessary. Ross and Mike lost their game on the 17th green, which left Glenn and Jeremy, standing all-square on the 18th tee, needing to win the final hole to send the first match down the 19th. They duly obliged, with Jeremy sinking a knee-knocking three-foot putt for a hole-winning par. Anticlimactically, the wait to continue did not favour Charlie and Matt, as they fell to defeat at the first extra hole. A gallant effort by the team against a strong Eton side. Michael Butler (Sw ’72)
The Silver Tassie The Berkshire Golf Club, 7th June 2021
On Monday 7th June, our Old Berkhamstedians Ladies’ Golf team competed in The Silver Tassie, which was held at The Berkshire Golf Club. The competition is equivalent to the men’s Halford Hewitt competition and has been held annually since 1961.
This year our team consisted of Fiona Giles (Welborn) (NS ’05) and Jackie Kershaw (Welford) (Bu ’81), and Liz Selfe (Agate) (OS ’75) and Lina McKenna (Hollis) (OS ’78).
The weather conditions were perfect, and the course was presented in superb condition. The rhododendrons were in full bloom and, as ever, there was an abundance of heather to provide additional challenge. Our team played alongside the ladies from Wycombe Abbey who won the competition in 2016.
The format of the day was an 18-hole 4BBB Stableford with 85% handicap allowance. Fiona and Jackie played the Red Course while Liz and Lina competed on the Blue Course. Both pairs played very well, coming in with 38 points each, making a total of 76 points for the team. Although a very respectable score, it unfortunately wasn’t quite good enough to win and we came in 4th place overall, just missing out on the prizes. Ancaster House School won the competition with a very impressive 86 points.
The Silver Tassie
So, sadly, The Silver Tassie has eluded us once again, but there will always be next year! Alison Welborn (Harley) (Bu ’76)
OBGS Spring Meeting Denham Golf Club, 8th June 2021
With the after-effects of Covid still playing havoc with many golf clubs’ diaries, it was sadly necessary to move the Spring Meeting away from Berkhamsted for the first time in recent memory. Thankfully Denham, a favourite among OBGS members, were able to accommodate us and so it was that 30 OBs gathered on a sunny June morning to once again battle it out for the silverware.
We were delighted to welcome for the first time Guy Fountaine (As ’11), Cameron McPhail (SG ’10), Bradley Hucker, Benjamin Langley (Fr ’02) and, returning after a number of years away, Simon Doggett (’99).
Denham had done us proud, with the course looking the best many had ever seen it, and hopes were high that all the hours spent putting on kitchen floors and analysing swings in bathroom mirrors over lockdown were about to pay dividends. It didn’t take long for all our hopes and dreams to come crashing down: whether it was playing a new course or the Pimm’s in the half-way hut, who knows, but the morning scores were far from our finest. Thankfully three players managed to meet the challenge – Denys Firth (Lo ’68) produced a sublime round to take home the Headmaster’s Cup for the best Stableford score, while Colin McBride (Ad ’63) took home the Keeling Cup, which is for members over 65. The Captain’s Cup awarded to the best gross score went to Robbie MacDonald (In ’74), his 15th OBGS win, now only six wins away from CR Chronander’s (Sw ’28) record of 21 wins.
After a fabulous Denham lunch, which was accompanied by some wonderful wine provided by the captain Mike Hodges (Co ’85), and all
Peter King, Cameron McPhail and Mike Hodges
washed down with some ice cold Kummel, a record number of players headed back out onto the course for a little redemption. As seems to be the way for many OBs, a little swing oil at lunch did the trick as the golf improved dramatically in the afternoon. In the fi nest traditions of the Society, it was to be the combination of youth and experience in Cameron McPhail and Peter King (Co ’60) that came out on top to win the Baron’s Tankards.
Ultimately, our away day at Denham proved to be a great success, so much so that we have added it as an extra fi xture to the diary for 2022. Matthew Dennehy
Schools Putting Competition Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, 9th June 2021
Following the cancellation of the 2020 Public Schools Putting Tournament owing to the Covid pandemic restrictions, the Old Berkhamstedians Golfi ng Society made a successful return to Royal Wimbledon Golf Club on 9th June 2021, represented by Michael Atkins (Be ’88), Nick Bottrill (Fr ’97) and Charlie Creasy.
While not holing quite enough putts to make it through to the Finals held in the following week after the qualifying rounds, the team successfully qualifi ed for next year’s tournament. Michael Atkins (Be ’88)
Mike Hodges and Robbie MacDonald
‘Events, dear boy, events!’ Having assembled what on paper looked like the strongest Berkhamsted side to enter the Cyril Gray for a number of years, expectations leading up to the competition were high. Sadly, a number of the team had to withdraw shortly before the event.
Our on-site reporter takes up the story: ‘A good win against Gresham’s on the Thursday followed by a narrow loss to our old Scottish adversaries Glenalmond on the Friday. Work to do to win this event!’
Nonetheless, an enjoyable few days and we look forward to next year. Michael Butler
Cyril Gray Team 2021
Senior Cyril Gray Team 2021
By dint of exactly meeting the combined age qualification of 140 years, Michael Butler and Colin McBride were one of the stronger looking pairs entered for the one-round scratch Stableford foursomes competition played at Worplesdon on the final day of the Cyril Gray tournament.
Although not always at their best off the tee, their well-honed short game and the holing of several knee-knocking putts meant that they scored points on every hole of the round. Nevertheless, they were surprised and delighted to learn that their score of 26 points was better than any of the other eleven pairs entered, thus giving Berkhamsted a second win in the competition in recent years.
Michael Butler
OBGS Mixed Summer Meeting Ashridge Golf Club, 14th July 2021
After last year’s cancellation through Covid, we renewed our acquaintance with Ashridge Golf Club for our mixed invitation meeting.
We foregathered around noon, prior to a terrific lunch of slow-cooked shoulder of spiced lamb, followed by crème brûlée and washed down with the odd glass of claret or Chablis.
The 20 of us teed off in groups of four from 2.30pm on a golf course which was showing its teeth because of the long rough, despite the lovely sunny conditions. Scores were mixed, with some finding the rough more difficult than others.
Neil Aitchison (Be ’65) and Sue Rodwell (Collins) (Ru ’76) came in with an impressive score of 40 points for their four-ball better ball Stableford and were the leaders in the clubhouse for a while. However, the last group out, comprising Peter and Carol King and Jeremy Hopkinson (Ad ’61) and Rowena Paxton (Fletcher) (SH ’70), managed to conjure up some magic with scores of 42 and 43 respectively and Rowena and Jeremy were presented with their prize of a bottle of champagne each by the organiser Colin Buckle (Be ’63), whom Jeremy graciously thanked in his acceptance speech on behalf of the winning pair.
Taking part were Nick (Ad ’62) and Lorna Hall, David Blayney (Co ’61), Tricia Kent, Philip (Sw ’80) and Sally Courtney, Colin and Marion Buckle, Malcolm Keeling (Co ’67), Lara Manton (MacCrimmon) (As ’08), Michael (Be ’60) and Penny Webster, Neil Aitchison, Sue Rodwell, Chris Smith (Co ’70), Peter and Carol King, Jeremy Hopkinson, Rowena Paxton and Julie Ivelaw Chapman (Hedges) (NS ’71); and we were joined for drinks afterwards by Nigel (Be ’67) and Shirley Chiltern Hunt, Clare Keeling (OS ’90) and Keith Goddard (Ad ’62). Colin Buckle (Be ’63)
OBGS v Old Albanians Aldwickbury Park, 21st July 2021
Our annual match against Old Albanians was held at Aldwickbury Park on a blazing hot summer’s afternoon. Our first pair of Nigel Smith (Co ’69) and Graham May (Up ’66) teed off at 1pm and managed to clinch victory on the last hole over Rick Drakard and Ian McKenzie.
Our second pair of Nick Hall and David Blayney struggled somewhat, losing their match against Mike Hodge and Graham Tate, while our third pair of Malcolm Keeling and Peter King halved with John Smith and David Hughes.
Thus, the result of the match was down to our last pair of Colin Buckle and Colin McBride, who were three down after three holes but approached the final tee one up against Brian Hayden Smith and Trevor Davies. They had been giving lots of
shots with Trevor playing off 30 and Brian off 22. Brian then drove out of bounds, putting pressure on Trevor who did not make a great connection. Both Colins had good drives, but there was a touch of the Fred Karnos after that as Trevor then put his second out of bounds, avoiding the lake on the 18th, before McBride played the wrong ball. It mattered not however as the others had conceded by then. The result was a 2½ to 1½ win for the OBs.
We all repaired to the clubhouse for a light supper and plenty of liquid refreshment.
The match has been going on for a number of years now, but with ageing golfers it was felt that perhaps we should draw this fixture to a close, with some very happy memories and with thanks to all those who have played in it.
Colin Buckle
OBGS v Denham Denham, 31st July 2021
And so to Denham for the annual match against the club. This prime-time Saturday fixture is always popular with the Berkhamsted side and it would seem that is also the case for Denham, whose team consisted of the club and vice-captains to add even more prominence to the fixture.
Sadly, the match organiser (and Denham member) Robbie MacDonald was off games owing to a recent operation for carpal tunnel – some people will do anything in a quest for scratch status – and instead he had to make do supporting.
As we gathered for coffee in the morning there was some trepidation as a number of the Denham team decided to tuck into a quick snifter before play. Most of the Berkhamsted team were far too focused to be taken in by this gamesmanship.
The morning foursomes were over in a flash with Berkhamsted unusually holding a small lead at lunch, 3½ to 2½. As we retired to the patio for the fantastic BBQ lunch, the heavens opened, the result of which was that copious amounts of Pomerol and Kummel were consumed over the course of a pleasant few hours.
By mid-afternoon, and with the sun having reemerged, we headed back out onto the course once more when miraculously the Berkhamsted boys managed to extend their lead to win the day 6½ to 4½.
Our thanks as always to Denham for hosting this wonderful match and looking after us so well. We are braced for a tough match next year. Matthew Dennehy
Halford Hewitt Cup Deal, 9th-12th September 2021
Having been forced to cancel the normal April dates in both 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic, The Public Schools Golfing Society was delighted to be able to stage the 2021 tournament from 9th to 12th September. Perhaps inevitably, this produced an outbreak of most un-Hewitt-like weather for the practice day and the first day, with temperatures in the mid-80s and an on-shore wind creating sunburn conditions.
We approached our first-round match at Deal against 2019 semi-finalists Edinburgh Academy with our squad strengthened by debutant Bradley Hucker, the return after an 11-year absence of Adam Nodder (Na ’99) and the last-minute appearance of Jeremy O’Neill on holiday from Singapore.
We had not managed the usual warm-up matches to try out our foursomes pairings and the practice round revealed some rusty swings which led to a plethora of lost balls on a fast-running links with some severe rough, so the selectors decided to go with tried and trusted pairings for the first-round match.
Charlie Creasy and Matt McGrory led the team off and, assisted by their opponents losing their opening tee shot, won the first three holes before losing the short fourth hole which proved very challenging to hit playing straight down the wind to a plateau green. All the other pairs were away to a steady start, despite the second pair of Ross Anderson and Toby Morris failing to win the third hole when their opposition lost a ball in the dunes.
The Halford Hewitt Team
The run of holes to the turn proved challenging, and by the time we had reached the halfway hut only Charlie and Matt held a lead (one hole), with the second pair three holes adrift and Glenn Barrington and Chris Mach one hole down in the third match after an errant drive from the ninth tee. Each of the fourth pair, Jim Northway and Mike McGrory, and the fifth pair, Adam Nodder and Bradley Hucker, were holding their own at all-square which, in the former case, owed something to their opponents’ inability to hole a couple of short putts.
As is often the case, the outcome of the contest was shaped by the trio of holes making up the loop at the far end of the links, as each of the top two pairs contrived to lose all three holes – Jim and Mike went one down and Adam and Bradley were two down, offset only by Glenn and Chris recovering to all-square on the 12th green.
Despite Ross and Toby having to shake hands on the 13th green, our hopes rose as Charlie and Matt recovered a two-hole deficit to stand all-square on the 17th tee and Glenn and Chris won the long 16th to regain the advantage which they closed out for a win on the next green. Sadly, Charlie and Matt were unable to recover from errant drives from each of the 17th and 18th tees, slipping to defeat on the final green. Meanwhile each of the bottom two pairs found themselves up against level-par golf into a stiffening wind and both succumbed to defeat on the 16th green, which meant the overall match was lost 1-4.
The next morning we appeared at Royal St George’s – in mint condition after holding the Open just six weeks beforehand – putting out three pairs to play in the first round of the Plate against Trent.
It quickly became apparent that the Trent top pair were not their strongest as Glenn and Chris assumed a commanding early lead which they were never to surrender, closing out their match on the 12th green. The second and third pairs, Toby and Jeremy O’Neill, and Adam with Bradley, both made promising starts and each was ahead after the Maiden (sixth) hole. Unfortunately, some errant driving combined with sturdy par golf from their opponents meant that the advantage was soon surrendered and each of our pairs slipped to defeat on the 16th and 17th greens respectively.
This brought a premature and disappointing end to our week for which a strong team on paper seemed to be undergolfed. Hopefully, lessons will have been learned for next April, assuming the Hewitt reverts to its normal timing. Michael Butler
Berkhamsted relinquishes the ABC OBGS v Old Aldenhamians Harewood Downs Golf Club, 30th September 2021
The annual match between Berkhamsted and Aldenham for the ABC had to be cancelled in 2020 for obvious reasons but was rearranged for 30th September at Harewood Downs Golf Club. The normal format is for four pairs to play a four-ball better ball game but, despite several pleas for participants, only four intrepid OBGS members responded positively.
Notwithstanding only having half a side, the match went ahead and it was agreed that one Berkhamsted player would play off full handicap against two Aldenham players off 75 percent of theirs.
As it was, one of the Aldenham team failed to appear, so Colin McBride played a singles game. The weather was much kinder than the forecast indicated and the course was in excellent condition with some challenging pin placements, but the golfing gods weren’t on our side. Matt Dennehy went off first as he had to get away early and was up against an in-form Michael Beavis, playing off 2 and Ian Wilson-Soppitt, off 17. Berkhamsted were one down. Peter King played against Paul Yule and Richard Hall and fought back valiantly from being four down to take five holes in a row to win one up. Next up was Chris Smith, who freely admitted to being severely undergolfed and despite receiving eight shots could not prevail against John Yule and Jack Cruikshank. Thus it was down to the last game to square the match but Colin McBride was out-played by Ian Dowdswell and so the cup was duly passed to John Yule as the Aldenham captain at a very sociable and enjoyable lunch.
The match in 2022 will take place at Ashridge Golf Club on 12th April when hopefully we don’t have a repeat of the embarrassment of not being able to raise a team of eight people. Colin McBride (Ad ’63)
Our annual match against the OCs was played at Ashridge Golf Club on Saturday 9th October under cloudless skies. The OCs were quickly out of the block, winning two of the morning games comfortably and holding off a recovery from three down by Colin McBride and Tom Butler (Gr ’08) to win a third point on the final green. A good win by Nick Bottrill and Matt Dennehy left us with a tenuous hold on the Spooner Salver at lunchtime.
The traditional heavy Ashridge three-course lunch seemed to fortify our team on a warm afternoon and induce some soporific golf from the OCs as David Wotherspoon (Gr ’90) with Matt Dennehy and Mike Atkins with Tom Butler secured comfortable victories with their fine play provoking some muttering about the merits of the new ‘world’ handicapping system. Colin McBride and Malcolm Fullard came up just short against strong opposition which left Michael Butler to secure the Salver, retaining a point in the final game, benefitting from playing his own ball against a foursome pairing. Michael Butler
Practice makes perfect, or so the saying goes, and clearly a number of OB golfers believe it as there were unprecedented scenes at Ashridge Golf Club when a small number of players decided to warm up on the range before heading out to play. Could it be the desire to lift the trophy at the curtain closer, or perhaps it was the abysmal scores at Denham earlier in the year? As the majority tucked into their ‘warm-up’ of coffee and bacon rolls, we knew we were in for a good day: the forecast was fair, a fine lunch awaited us after play and the greens had been freshly rolled. Little did we know at this stage that, for many, the latter was to be their downfall. Despite all this talk of warms ups there was one player, Ali Spooner (Ad ’90), who clearly didn’t put much faith in it as he arrived at the club with just minutes to spare.
With the fallout of Covid still affecting people’s diaries, many regulars were sadly unable to attend, but we were delighted to welcome for the first time James Rennie (Be ’90), Dick Kerr (Be ’90), Nigel Paines (Lo ’77) and Steve Roberts (Ad ’91).
Tom Fountain (SH ’02) led us off, hoping to retain the Bobby Furber Salver he won so convincingly in 2020. Meanwhile the bookies’ favourite group of James Lyle (SJ ’05), Mike Atkins and Benjamin Langley headed up the 13th.
As the scores came in, it was clear the course had got the better of most. In fact, reports on the Ashridge balcony of putting off the green and even putting into a bunker were not uncommon (I couldn’t possibly name names). The greenkeeper had clearly had a bad night’s sleep, as the pins he had selected – in particular on three and 18 – were decidedly treacherous, being perched close to slopes.
Ali Spooner and Mike Hodges
Mike Hodges and Steve Roberts
While Peter Rodwell (Fr ’74) put in a valiant round of 37 points, it was Ali Spooner, he of no warm-up, who with a round of 39 points took home the Bobby Furber Salver awarded to the best Stableford score from a player with a handicap of 18 and under. In the Veterans’ Cup where players receive one extra point for every two years over the age of 65, Malcolm Fullard, one of the most reliable and steadiest golfers amongst the OBGS ranks, took home the prize with 38 points. Finally, in the Captain’s Cup, awarded to the best Stableford score from a player with a handicap over 18, there was to be heartache for Mark Robinson (Ad ’91), who has hoping to win for the third year in a row, when he was pipped by one point by Steve Roberts on his first outing with the Society.
As we sat down to a delicious lunch, the pairings for the afternoon foursomes were hastily being arranged. That speed continued on the course with one of the fastest rounds of nine holes you have ever seen. The afternoon scores were remarkably respectable, but it was James Lyle and Neil Aitchison who won the Cork Cup by a single point. Matthew Dennehy Tudor Rose Golf Day Berkhamsted Golf Club, 18th October 2021
We held our annual Tudor Rose Golf Day on 18th October at Berkhamsted Golf Club. The number able to play was small, with injury ruling out several members, but the day was very enjoyable and it was lovely to catch up with everyone. Despite a short shower, the course looked good and presented everyone with a challenging round.
Alison Welborn and Hils Humphrey Baker
Winners on the day were: 1st – Hils Humphrey Baker (Wright) (Ch ’76) 2nd – Alison Welborn (Harley) (Bu ’76)
Nearest the pin: Front nine – Lina McKenna (Hollis) (OS ’78) Back nine – Jackie Kershaw (Welford) (Bu ’81)
Two of the founder members – Evelyn Pegley (Levitton) (Lx ’54) and Judith Goodwyn (Riley) (’56) – played nine holes, while joining us for the meal afterwards were Sue Wolstenholme OBE (Ho ’58) and Jenny Wiles (Crowhurst) (NS ’76). Thank you to everyone for coming and making it such a successful day. Alison Welborn (Harley) (Bu ’76)
Tennis
I am very sad to report that in spite of best efforts we were unable to play in 2021. There was no match against the School in May, and our attempts to brush the dust off our rackets in early July to be part of the Sunday Sports event and farewell to David Gibson were thwarted by the extension of Covid restrictions at that time.
I am hopeful that by the time you read this magazine we will have had an event or at least have one in the pipeline.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have played for our OB squad over the years. Thank you too to those who have signed up to our new Connections website, and who have expressed an interest in playing for the OB Ladies’ Tennis team.
Anyone who would like to take part and receive our communications when we have our next event, please do get in touch either with the OB office or directly with Penny Kent or myself (our contact details are at the back of the magazine). 2020/21
In spite of the ever-shifting Covid regulations, the club has managed to shoot fairly regularly at Bisley and compete in a few competitions. We have shot gallery rifles, pistols and carbines on four occasions and fullbore rifles at 200, 500 and 600 yards.
The start of the season was delayed and when the Whitgift Veterans was finally announced in April, we were unable to enter a team. The Herts Clubs Shield team in May was Bruce Winney (Sw ’89), David Winney (Sw ’92), Chris Fopp (Ad ’91), Phil Wilcockson (Ad ’62), David Pooley (In ’81) and Bob Sampson (Be ’95). Phil Wilcockson shot especially well that day. We were unable to enter a team in the Astor County Shoot as we were not able to get six shooters. Ashburton Veterans was well attended and we put in two teams of five. The AGM and annual barbeque followed at David Winney’s static caravan.
Bruce Winney has continued to represent both county and country. He has been selected for the next Palma Team. He has coached extensively at county and country level. He was part of the winning team at The Age Match.
Bob Sampson has been very busy with both shooting and getting the new British Young Shooters Association (BYSA) up and running. They have just taken over the lease on a club house at Bisley and are looking for further financial support. The link to their crowdfunding page is here – crowdfunder.co.uk/qw8mdqmnhelp-bysa-stay-on-target-1
The OBRC would be delighted to welcome members of the OBs who would like to have a go at shooting. We are able to provide all the equipment necessary and have trained safety officers and coaches. Please contact David Pooley at david.pooley@tallco.co.uk or on 07770 946393.
