The Four Schools Match at Royal Worlington on 16th October         Report from Miles Connell

The Tonbridge Team was subject to change from the original selection. Martin Beddoe was originally match manager but found he had to be in "Court" and so David Biddle took over only to drop out having suffered a "heart mishap", which will result in him having a triple by-pass operation shortly. All the best David and get well soon.

The final team was Sam Staveley, John Thompson, Rex Palmer and Miles Connell.  Tonbridge were drawn to play Greshams and had a close encounter. Staveley/Palmer were all square until the final 5 holes when their opponent, John Rolf ( playing his own ball, his partner fell out the previous day) suddenly found his putting form and won 3/1. Thompson/Connell were 2 up on the 17th and might have halved the match by winning the last. They didn't, so we came second!!  Marlborough beat Uppingham so it was Greshams versus Marlborough which resulted in Greshams being the victors.

Tonbridge played Uppingham to settle the remaining places. Connell/ Staveley were beaten by Charles Bowman and Robert Gardner and Thompson/Palmer lost to Jeremy Thompson and Jimmy Purves. So Tonbridge took 4th spot.

The day was fine, usual delicious lunch and a most enjoyable day was had by all. This was the 22nd occasion of the match. Two cards were signed by all and sent to Biddly wishing him well for his forthcoming operation.

POST SCRIPT :

Subsequent to this year's match it was decided to create a 4 Schools Championship Committee with Biddle as inaugural Chairman and Jimmy Purves (Uppingham) his deputy. This was their first edict :

 

" At a special meeting convened following the recent 4 Schools Match played on the 16th October 2009, it was decided that because Greshams only turned up with 3 players, and won, they contravened the Rules, which state that each team must have a team of 4. Therefore the result for the day is "No result". "  I am told by David that Greshams are as yet unaware of the decision.!!!!!!