The Halford Hewitt Cup was held from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th of April 2024. The Old Gregorian Golfing Society were one of many societies that took part in the day.
This year, the Halford Hewitt celebrated its centenary. Downside entered the competition in 1927, only three years after its inception. During the war years, it remained fallow and it was not until 1958 that the full quota of 64 schools was established. We have ten people per school side thus making a grand total of 640 players, which is the largest scratch foursome tournament in the world!
The Old Gregorian team assembled on Tuesday 9th April at our splendid B&B in the village of Ash on the Kent coast. Our first round match was due to be played at Royal St George’s Golf Club on Friday 12th April. To celebrate the centenary, all schools provided their school flags to be displayed outside The Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club (Deal) which is the home of the Halford Hewitt. A great phalanx of flags could be observed fluttering enthusiastically in the wind. A large marquee was erected in the car park and a drinks party was thrown on the Wednesday evening. Caps, ball markers and assorted memorabilia were produced to mark the event.
After three days of practise at St George’s Rye and Price’s Golf Clubs, the team was drawn to play Radley on Friday morning at an eye-watering early start at 7.45am. Radley fielded a strong side and had anticipated a comfortable victory.
- Our first pair of Gavin Quinlan (R20) and Mungo Sheehan (B18) were the youngest golfers in our team. They had a tough challenge against a strong Radley first pair. Although they succumbed early on in their match they both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I am sure, in years to come, they will have much to offer.
- Our second pair of Andy Borg (B91) (our captain) and Paul Chase Gardener (B72) played against a formidable Radley combination and were victorious having played some superb golf.
- Our third pair of Mike McGann (Ra78) and Dominic Stalder (U87) played well for the first nine holes, but the opposition upped their game and we went down.
- Our fourth pair of Richard Kenyon (S90) and Mike Strickland (S72) closed their match in some style. It was now two matches all.
- Our fifth pair of Chris Manfield (U85) and Philip Purdon (B75) again battled well but lost on the 16th hole.
In short, Radley was given quite a scare by a team that was not rated highly. The whole team rightly deserves praise for their exceptional performance.
A splendid lunch followed at Royal St George’s attended by our team, our President, our Honorary Secretary, and Mick (R65) and Helen Medlam who enthusiastically supported the team out on the links.
Michael Strickland and Mike McGann, to whom much thanks are due, have now celebrated 50 and 40 years respectively in the Halford Hewitt. Our team is ageing, and we urgently need new younger players to ensure our continued participation in this unique competition.
Report provided by Christopher Grievson (Ra62), President of the Old Gregorian Golfing Society.
If you would be interested in playing with the OGGS, please contact oldgregorians@downside.co.uk, or visit our website.
