Golf OSBGS Report

Golfing Society (OSBGS) Old St Beghians’ Golfing Society
Halford Hewitt 2022 The Halford Hewitt came quickly upon us all this year following the event’s return to normal routine, being held in its usual calendar format, prior to the Easter holidays. Thanks to Captain Adrian Peckitt for organising the OSB accommodation just outside Sandwich village. Eleven OSBs made the journey to Kent for the initial practice rounds prior to the opening session. Referring to the OSB Golf History archive: St Bees were drawn on Royal Cinque Ports for the first time since 2015, so the team appreciated the practice rounds – despite the horrendous showers on practice day two. Deal is renowned for a tough finishing stretch of holes, with long par fours usually into a prevailing wind – designed in a traditional ‘out-in’ links format. The team were drawn against Chigwell for Round 1 of the Hewitt on the Thursday afternoon. We were thankful for the dry weather, but not the 60mph gusts! Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson lead the way strongly. Gareth walked in a 12ft putt on the 17th to seal a 3 and 1 victory. 1-0 to the Bees. Pair 2 was a new Hewitt pairing of John Currie and Cameron Wood - the power pairing! They eased to a 5 and 4 victory. 2-0 to the Bees. Andrew Deall and Jeff Ellis were the middle pair, Pair 3. The lads had fought well to take the match down the last all square. Andrew hit a great three wood approach into the wind from the middle of the fairway. One more yard of pace would have left the ball pin high for a birdie. Instead, a harsh bounce to the right left the pair with a tricky up and down. 2-1 to the Bees. Pair 4 was Tom Wright and Mike Stamper. Both made a slow start and were heavily down at an early stage. Despite a slight resurgence, it was too little too late and they shook hands on a 4 and 3 defeat. 2-2. The final pairing was Andrew Goodwin and Adrian Peckitt, an ever-reliable pairing. The pair made their result look casual, not knowing that the outcome of the match was solely focused on this game. Adrian pitched wonderfully to one foot from the back of the 17th green to close out a 2 and 1 victory. 3-2 win for the Bees. A first OSB Round 1 Hewitt win since 2013 (should that be said quietly? it meant cause for celebration). The team was as ever spurred on by mascot, Charlie Crummey, who served his role well as ball-spotter, rules official and general motivator. Charlie kept other OSBGS members (who were not able to attend) from the UK and across the globe up to date with live scores through a running commentary of the match. Photos below of the Round 1 winning team within their pairs: Pair 1 - Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson, Pair 2 - John Currie and Cameron Wood, Pair 3 - Andrew Deall and Jeff Ellis, Pair 4 - Tom Wright and Mike Stamper and Pair 5 - Andrew Goodwin and Adrian Peckitt.
The Round 1 winning team within their pairs
	Pair 3 - Andrew Deall and Jeff Ellis

Pair 1 - Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson	Pair 2 - John Currie and Cameron Wood

Pair 4 - Tom Wright and Mike Stamper	Pair 5 - Andrew Goodwin and Adrian Peckitt
For Round 2 of the Hewitt, St Bees were drawn against Stoneyhurst. A northern battle. And a battle it was. The overall match was decided through Game 1, so I will leave that till the last. Game 2 was once again the power pairing of Cameron Wood and John Currie, who secured a safe point through a 3 and 1 victory. Well done lads, 2 out of 2 for the week. Game 3 was a new pairing for the week, Andrew Deall and Tom Wright. A few early bogeys had the pair up against it straight away - mistakes that can’t be made when playing an ex-pro. Runs of pars from Andy and Tom kept the game alive and their play would have seen more reward if it hadn’t been for the exceptional golf played by the Stoneyhurst pair. Game 4 secured another point for the Bees, with Andrew Goodwin and Adrian Peckitt making birdie on the 18th to secure a two up victory. Well done lads, 2 out of 2 for the week. Game 5 consisting of Jeff Ellis and Mike Stamper shook hands on the 15th - a 4 and 3 defeat. With four matches complete and the score at 2-2, the match was to be decided through Game 1. Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson had held the lead, but Stoneyhurst fought back to finish all square after 18. Onto the 19th at Deal, described as a Colosseum. Both teams held their nerves and made par fours. Onto the 20th and Stoneyhurst pulled off a great up and down for par, something that the St Bees pair unfortunately couldn’t match. This was a valiant effort from all, being so close to a 3rd Round appearance at the Hewitt. It seems to be a running trend in recent reports that our progression on the golf course is clear to see. As a group we believe that this is mostly due to the core nucleus of OSB golfers maintaining regular contact throughout the year. It’s good to see and great to be a part of. Why not join us? If you have interest in being an OSB golfer, or know of a keen OSB golfer, then please get in touch. It would be great to hear from you. Tom Wright, Secretary
The Cyril Gray – 2022 The Cyril Gray was once again played in perfect conditions, weather, course, but not quite our team. This year we had the added bonus of the postponed 50th anniversary dinner to look forward to, no longer to be in a marquee but in the clubhouse. Our practice involved a very close contest against Glenalmond with Adrian Peckitt and Andrew Goodwin prevailing one up again. Charlie Crummey and Stephen Moss fared slightly less well, whilst Jeff Ellis and Mike Stamper had a great half. They had lost the 17th to go one down but then, knowing exactly what they had to do, won the 18th, to share the honours/match. The dinner was a great success, made all the more enjoyable by the absence of speeches, some excellent food and wine, with even better company from Glenalmond and three from Berkhamsted, including the tournament organiser, Michael Butler. The inevitable late night was followed by our first round opponents Framlingham. Losing to them would be a double disaster, the second being having to play again in the afternoon at 16.20, with an after eight finish. Fortunately, we won, with Adrian and Andrew continuing their unbeaten run in 2022 in all competitions. David Sim, very kindly stepping in for Jeff (who had a very serious domestic agenda, to attend a birthday party (Tracey’s) and host a garden party for 500 of his nearest and dearest friends), together with Mike strode to a convincing win. Both wins coming on the ‘right’ side of the road. That meant Wrekin at 10:20 on Friday morning with Michael Coffey taking David Sim’s place. We were convincingly thumped, losing the second and third matches out in the country, this time on the ‘wrong’ side of the road! However, Adrian and Andrew remained unbeaten. Another most enjoyable tournament, a great get together with so many friendly faces, even if you can’t remember their names… Anyone who has turned 50 recently? Please get in touch asap. Michael Coffey, President.

Cyril Gray 2022
Contact Details: Michael Coffey, President – Michael@golfclubsec.co.uk . Tom Wright, Secretary – tomosbgolf@hotmail.com. Forthcoming Golf Fixtures: QE Elizabeth Tournament (Edinburgh, Royal Burgess): Friday 16th - 18th September 2022. Halford Hewitt 2023 (Kent, Deal, Royal St Georges or Princes): 30th March - 2nd April 2023. (For next year's Halford Hewitt, the society can explore the possibility of welcoming new OSBs to the event by perhaps taking advantage of one of the practice days prior to the Hewitt Knockout stages. If pre-warning is given, a round can be organised.) The Critchley Cup (once again, open to all abilities). Dates to be confirmed.