The Bradfield team (pictured above) went down to Kent in very good spirits & optimistic for success following two good trial matches (v Old Wellingtonians & The Old Wykehamists) and a Team Trial at Royal St George’s Golf Club in March. We had the best team available with 11 very strong players – the same 10 players as last year, but with Callum Mackay (D 08-13), who had recently returned to the Amateur ranks, as our reserve.

It was the Centenary of the Halford Hewitt this year so all the Schools flew their flags on the road running alongside the Club House at Royal Cinque Golf Club making for a stunning display (see picture below).

The week started with some of us attending the funeral of John Allday (E 53-57) on the Monday. John had lived the Halford Hewitt (HH), as a player, captain, selector, coach, supporter & archivist. He, more than anyone, wanted to win the competition & he gave so many OBGS golfers huge support over the years. He attended every year, bar one when he went to the Masters – usually the same week. He will be much missed by everyone.

Our First Round opponents were Wellington, who we know well and had played (& lost to) in the Third Round in 2021 – we much wanted revenge. Their team was also strong and included Tony Jacklin’s grandson, a fine golfer (handicap of +5) who was making his debut.

Our Pairings were as follows:

Angus Creighton & Tom Watson

Jamie Gallagher & Jonny Rafferty

Jack Banton & Justin Foord

Matt Ruffell & Dan Torrance

Jack Beckett & Adam Williams (playing his 98 consecutive game!)

They were playing early on the Thursday morning at Royal St George’s Golf Club. It was dry, but windy & quite cold.

Matches 1, 3 & 4 were always very close, but we were down in Matches 2 & 5 most of the way finally losing 6/5 at 2 and 3/2 at 5, thus meaning we had to win the other three games. Unfortunately, the outcome of Match 3 turned over the last 5 holes from a winning position standing on the 13th Tee to a 2/1 loss & thus the overall loss of the Match. At the same time, Match 1 was going down the 19th (Wellington having bravely holed a tricky eight footer on the last to go to extra holes) & Match 4 was all square after 17 holes, so both games were called a half and a 4/1 loss recorded. Everyone was bitterly disappointed, as our expectations were high.

The overall standard of golf by all was however first class & played in the right spirit. The difference between winning & losing can hinge on a few key putts dropping & Wellington got their fair share, but they were deserved winners on the day. They then went onto beat Merchiston, a top HH School, but then lost to Uppingham – there are so many strong sides who can now win the Tournament.

We went onto play in the Plate (three pairs playing at Princes) where we beat Sherborne, Watson’s & Whitgift before losing to a strong Forest Team in the Semi-Finals. This was a fine achievement & further good links courses preparation for next year. It is the first time since 2013 that we have played in the Plate ie lost in the First Round of the HH.

Finally, it was great to have the support of so many OB’s, family & partners down at Sandwich – thank you so much for coming.

So onto next year when we are hoping to have some fresh talented golfers who are able to play.

Mike Jones (F 67-71)

Captain

Link to the Halford Hewitt draw and results for the Halford Hewitt Cup