Golfing Society (OSBGS)   Old St Beghians’ Golfing Society 2023 Halford Hewitt St Bees were drawn to play Felsted in the Halford Hewitt, the match to be played at Royal St Georges. The team assembled at our usual accommodation at Knowlton Court on the 28th March for the practice days on the Tuesday and Wednesday on the links at St Georges in preparation for the first round match on the Thursday. We had expected a close match against Felsted, as their record in the Hewitt in recent years has been similar to St Bees, and we did not disappoint the watching supporters. In the top match, Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson, were drawn against the Felsted top pair and struggled to gain a foothold and lost 6 and 5. In the second game, John Currie and Cameron Wood had a great tussle in their match with no more than a hole between them throughout the match, standing 1 down after the 15th, the opposition played excellently down 16 and 17 to win the match 2 and 1. In the third game Andrew Deall and John Berry played magnificently to win 6 and 5, to bring the match score to 1-1 following the loss of the top match. The fourth pairing, Jeff Ellis and Stephen Moss, played a great match taking an early lead but were then pegged back to be all square after ten holes. The St Bees pair then won three of the next five holes to be three up after 15 holes and despite a brief fightback by their opponents, Jeff and Stephen held on to win 2 and 1, to bring the overall match score to 2-2. In the final game Andrew Goodwin and Adrian Peckitt never really found their best game and were behind from the start and went four down at the 13th. A fightback started at the 14th and 15th to get back to two down. The St Bees pair had a chance to make it just one down at 16, but unfortunately the putt did not drop; the pair suffered the same fate at the 17th to lose 2 and 1 and the chance was gone. Match result Felsted 3 St Bees 2. So on to the Princes Golf Club for the Plate competition for all the first round losers. In the first round St Bees played Wellingborough in weather that had taken a turn for the worse. However, this seemed to spur the team on to a resounding victory by 2.5 – 0.5. John Currie and Cameron Wood won the top match 4 and 2, the second pair Gareth Edgar and Ben Wilson secured a half, whilst Andrew Deall and John Berry continued their good form winning comfortably 5 and 3. The second round was a tough draw against one of the more successful schools at the Hewitt, Shrewsbury. The team played magnificently to win the match 2 and 1, Andrew and John winning again 4 and 3 and John and Cameron securing a win in a close tussle 2 and 1. Then into the Quarter finals where we would now be playing Bedford, not a team we knew much about, but they had beaten Rossall in the previous round. A great match ensued but the Bedford team ultimately proved too strong winning 2.5 – 0.5. Bedford then went on to win the Plate tournament. Another great year at the Hewitt, roll on 2024. In 2024, the Halford Hewitt will be celebrating its 100th Year. Celebrations are to take place throughout the year – so, keep an eye out for further information and photos from the various events.   QE Competition at Royal Burgess St Bees returned to Edinburgh in September to participate in the QE at Royal Burgess. The team had limited availability for selection this year, but were delighted to welcome Rory Bain, who represented the OSBs for the first time whilst he was visiting home, in-between US golf commitments. The Team photograph, which may be seen below, shows… Back Row (left to right): Rory Bain, Adrian Peckitt, Cameron Wood, Ben Wilson and Front Row (left to right): Nigel Costeloe, Tom Wright (Captain), Rodney Atkinson.

Thanks to all who attended to play and support. Notable shout outs: To Adrian Peckitt, who despite injury, ventured from the south of England to support from the side of the fairway. To Rodney Atkinson, whose annual commitment to this event (as a spectator or player) doesn’t go unnoticed. We are grateful for your commitment to St Bees. Without this kind of support, we would have been short. To Richard Crummey, thanks for maintaining ‘Crummey status’ at this event! After the golf, the team enjoyed an evening meal in the centre of Edinburgh. It is hoped that turn-out for this event will be improved for next year’s tournament. Plans are in development for the team to be based in one location together throughout the competition and to utilise practice rounds together. Events such as the QE are a privileged opportunity to represent our old school and to play good competitive golf amongst other Old Boys schools. St Bees looks forward to maintaining the etiquette that this competition warrants. The Golfing Society continues to run on behalf of Old St Beghian golfers. If anyone is interested in further information or joining the Society, please do get in touch with either myself (Tom Wright) or Michael Coffey, the President.   OSBGS Contact Details: Michael Coffey, President – Michael@golfclubsec.co.uk. Tom Wright, Secretary – tomosbgolf@hotmail.com.

 

Home

The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk