Facing a formidable Old Greshamians (OG) side which included six Sheringham members and two higher handicap ladies, the ON team battled away against the odds and the coastal weather. Unfortunately, the much lower handicapped ON side had to give up a total of 34 shots across the pairings and this, combined with the OG’s familiarity with their “home” course, proved too much to overcome.
Pair 1 of ON golfing legend Chris Lamb (74-81) and school governor Mark Schofield (75-85) had a very tough assignment against former NS teacher Tim Berwick (NS 08-22) and his 31-handicap lady playing partner and were unable to stem the relentless tide of net birdies and net eagles against them.
Pair 2 of team captain Owen Williams (88-98) and Olly Harris (87-97) were paired against the OG’s strongest partnership on paper and so it proved out on the course as the OG regular pairing and Sheringham members proved too strong with an amazing standard of golf well below their handicaps.
Pair 3 of David Bussey (76-85) and the school side’s only Sheringham member Sam Rowe (04-15) unfortunately found themselves four holes down early in the round against another strong locally based pairing, but both played exceptionally well on the back nine to only lose by a single hole.
Pair 4 of ON debutant Mark Hedges (81-91) and Richard Goodfellow (81-90) gave up a total of 21 shots against the OG’s highest handicap pairing and despite an incredible 100-foot eagle putt on the par 5 7th hole by Mark, the pair found themselves two holes down with only three to play. However, with each of them respectively holing a pressure putt on the 16th and 17th to extend the match and a touch of fortune on the last hole the game finished in a well-earned tie.
The team was supported around the whole course by former Eaton Golf Club captain Gavin Sargent (73-82) and former Bawburgh Golf Club captain Roger Brooks (60-67) who sadly had to miss the fixture due to injury and uncertainty over a potentially positive Covid test, respectively. Their support was greatly appreciated.
Team Captain Owen Williams said: “We all had a great day and thank you to everyone who played and supported. Unfortunately, although many of our side played some very good golf, Gresham’s with their local course experience and higher handicaps were just too strong. We very much look forward to welcoming them for the return fixture at Eaton in 2024 when hopefully our local knowledge of the course will be to our advantage.”
If you would like to get involved in the ON Golf Society please contact James Nursey, jamesnursey@yahoo.co.uk or Richard Goodfellow, rtworkgoodfellow@gmail.com
