OP SPORT
GOLF AT GANTON 2025
The Old Pocklingtonians team claimed their first victory in this year’ s Friendship Trophy at Ganton. The fifth annual edition of the event between the Old Pocklingtonians( OPs) and Old Hymerians( OHs) took place at the prestigious Ganton Golf Club on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. In a spirited and well-contested event, the OPs emerged as worthy winners for the first time, following two previous draws and two defeats.
The OPs, captained by David Stephenson( 77-81), who also serves as the current captain of Ganton Golf Club, delivered a strong performance across all matches.
In the top match, Hymers recovered from 3 down to draw level after 14 holes, before David Stephenson & Trevor Loten( 70-80) took the lead on the 16th and managed to hold on for a 1 up victory.
Match 2 was closely contested throughout, with Mark Addison( 69-76) & Paul Kaye( 68-76) eventually having to settle for a draw.
Match 3 was certainly not close, as an excellent display from Mike Strong( 66-76) & Richard Brown( 82-87) led to a convincing 6 & 4 victory.
Match 4 was similar to match 1, with Hymers fighting back from an early deficit before David Harrison( 70-77) & Bruce East( 73-80) finished strongly to win 3 & 1.
The final result was a convincing 3.5 – 0.5 win for the OPs, marking a milestone in the history of the event.
Reflecting on the day, Trevor commented:“ It was a fantastic day of golf, camaraderie, and competition. After several close calls in previous years, it was incredibly satisfying to finally get over the line with a win. The spirit of the event remains as strong as ever!”
“ Thanks must go to OHA Chairman Jonathan Leafe( OH 1971 – 79) for a superbly organised day, and to the OH team for some excellent matches,” he added.
With the series now standing at two wins for Hymers, two draws, and one win for the OPs, anticipation is already building for next year’ s rematch!
The OP players pictured with the trophy are: front row( l-r) David Harrison, Paul Kaye, Mark Addison, David Stephenson( captain); back row( l-r) Bruce East, Mike Strong, Richard Brown, and Trevor Loten.
TWELFTH ANNUAL POCKLINGTONIAN GOLF DAY
This year’ s annual golf day saw a welcome move from its traditional Friday slot to a Sunday, a change designed to make it easier for more participants to attend. The event took place at the scenic KP Club on the outskirts of Pocklington, offering a stunning backdrop for a day of friendly competition.
On Sunday 8 June, twelve teams comprising Old Pocklingtonians, former staff and parents, governors, current students, and other supporters teed off under threatening skies. Fortunately, after a brief early downpour, the fresh wind kept further showers at bay, allowing the rest of the afternoon to remain dry.
At the midway point, players were treated to a wellearned break at the halfway house, where sausage rolls, cakes, and refreshments provide a welcome boost before tackling the second half of the KP’ s challenging course.
Throughout the afternoon, players also had the opportunity to take part in some fun side competitions, including nearest the pin, nearest the pin in two, and the longest drive – adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.
After completing their rounds, teams gathered in the clubhouse for drinks followed by a delicious two-course supper and the prize-giving ceremony, hosted by OP President Charlie Lambert( 01-08).
In the team competition, golf day debutants The Golf Boys came third( 85) behind relative newcomers The Bogey Brigade in second( 88) place. The day’ s standout performance came from last year’ s winners, The Bandits, who delivered another impressive round( 95), successfully defending their title and retaining the President’ s Cup for a second consecutive year. Congratulations to all the winners!
A full summary of results, including individual prize winners, is provided below. Thank you to Toby Gowthorpe and the team at the KP Club for hosting an excellent day of golf, and to all the players who took part and made the day such a success.
First Team – The President’ s Cup – The Bandits( 95 points) Gerald Fenton( 03-12), Luke Fenton( 99-08), Charles Fenton, Andy Smith
Second Team – The Bogey Brigade( 88 points) Harry Falkingham( 13-24), Oliver Rook( 10-24), William Day( 14-24), Toby Winter( 13-24)
Third Team – The Golf Boys( 85 points) Tim Maycock, Dave Marsay, Paul Marsay, Mike Butterworth( 94-04)
Nearest the pin( Hole 17) Simon Hickey( 75-80)( Chinnvincibles)
Nearest the pin in two( Hole 13) Martin Butcher( Former Staff, 79-18)( Awesome Foursome)
Longest drive( Hole 18) Dan Wildman( Big Rods)
Other teams: Whitby Wanderers Andrew Burbidge( 53-58), Tom Havelock, Keith Robinson, Colin Fenby
Awesome Foursome Trevor Loten( 70-80, Former Staff, 86-21), Martin Butcher( Former Staff, 79-18), Dave Galloway( Former Staff, 99-21), Dave Tyrrell( Former Staff, 01-19)
Girl Power Janette Minns, Rachel Bloom, Lucy Atkin, Chris Harland
Worthy Slayers Angus Langworthy( 77-86), Angela Langworthy, John Sleigh, Rachel Sleigh
POPs Steve Burke, Tony Atkin, Paul Walker, Nick Minns
Chinnvincibles Nicky Boulton( née Chinn, 78-80), Simon Hickey( 75-80), Dave Hutchinson( 73-80)
Room for Imagination Ben Bryden( 90-96), Alvin Biggs, Steve Holloway, Mike Clarke
Pocklington School Oscar, Henry, Joe, David Phelan( 98-09)
Big Rods Charlie Lambert( 01-08), Dan Wildman, Joe Broomfield, Connaire Brattan
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