Grafton Morrish Tournament
| Date: | 5th October 2007 |
| Venue: | Hunstanton G.C. and at R.West Norfolk G.C. |
Result: Lost in the Third Round
GRAFTON MORRISH 2007
5-7th October
Tonbridge had been placed at the top of the draw, which meant that we had the early 7.40am start and the promise of a decent pace around the course, but limited breakfast facilities.
We were drawn at Brancaster for the first round tie against Warwick. Friday was a beautiful Autumn morning, sunny, mild and only a zephyr of a breeze. It was a real joy to be out on this splendid links in superb condition, the greens although not pacey were magnificently true.
Our pairings had been decided well in advance and our hopes for a decent run were riding high.
The paring of Ingleby and Horn out top, Hall and Foster and Lloyd and Partridge at the rear looked reasonably sound and so it proved with Inglelby and Horn winning on the last, Hall and Foster halving and Lloyd and Partridge winning 3/2.
Tonbridge win 2.5 - 0.5.
In the afternoon, we moved further down the coast to Hunstanton, where the sun was getting warmer and shirts sleeves order of the day. The greens were a little bumpy in places, and certainly slower, but still decent. Sutton Valence, who topped the qualifier with us at Knole Park were waiting.
Hall and Foster picked the short straw and went out top against their strong pairing of Williams and Cornhill and despite some tremendous efforts went down 3/2.
Little and large (Horn and Ingleby) playing the opposing team captain went out second, and despite some interesting shot making managed to be in control. I believe there was some interesting banter, which included their captain approaching his third pair, searching for a wayward drive on the 6th, to yell, "it is now time for your destiny". He obviously appreciated that his own destiny was heading down the pan with the help of Horn and Ingleby 4/3.
Partridge and Lloyd at the rear had a very enjoyable game against a charming young pairing and managed to finish the job 3/2.
Result Tonbridge win 2/1.
It did appear that certain members of the Sutton Valence team may have had a slight chip for some reason, the Warwick boys beaten in the morning, were absolutely charming.
Ingleby did delight in recounting during the evening meal the dismay of James Horns opposite numbers being consistently out driven by the diminutive youngster.
After being fed, watered and rested, yet another early 8am start at Hunstanton, no time for breakfast, only a quick cup of tea and bacon sandwich in the clubhouse.
Another beautiful if overcast morning and we were to face Sherborne, a proper school.
Ingleby and Horn by now "bedded in" and the engine was beginning to purr. Suffice to say they shake hands on the 15th green - a couple under par.
Foster and Hall get off to a poor start a couple down early, as do Lloyd and Partridge 3 down after 3 after some atrocious shots. Things are not looking good.
Hall and Foster gradually make back some ground and then lose it again, eventually clawing their way back1 down on the 11th, only to lose the 12th and 13th to birdies, and the 14th to par. They are dormy but a remarkable eagle at 15 was not enough and they lose 3/2.
Meanwhile Lloyd and Partridge finally come out to play with a birdie at the par 3 4th, giving the hole back at the 8th, and birdying for and against at 9 and 10 - still 3 down. Their opposition is flawless - all greens hit in regulation and 2 under par.
With wins at 11 and 14, and now 1 down with 4 to go, we are in the ascendancy and hopes are rising. Walking down the par 5 15th, there are the skyline are the unmistakable frames of "little and large", a pairing made in heaven.
The opposition have hit yet another fairway, then the green and roll in the put for an eagle. Lloyd hits 16th green and Partridge rolls in for a 2 from 20 feet.
1 down with 17 and 18 to go anything can happen. Par, par finish would probably be enough for the panic drive down the 19th, but it was not to be Sherborne made solid text book par 4 on both and thoroughly deserved their victory, hitting 16 out of 18 greens in regulation. (3 under par).
This match was thoroughly exciting and a joy to be involved in - 7 under par better ball.
Result Tonbridge lose 2/1.
A valiant effort by all but found wanting - as usual too many non -fought holes, but nevertheless extremely enjoyable, good company and excellent courses.
It was great to see Miles Connell, Sam Staveley and Rex Palmer over the two days, who hopefully enjoyed the excitement of the conclusion. Maybe next year.
Berkhamsted beat KCS Wimbledon in the final.