OLD SENNOCKIAN SPORT
There were 21 players which is 25 per cent more than normal . We set off at ten-minute intervals in prearranged groups enjoying the wonderful long views of the South Downs from this prettiest of heathland courses . Unfortunately , the showers promised turned out to be continuous drizzle and swept in on a brisk south-westerly so the long views soon became short .
Football
Oaks do what they must to survive upper leagues .
To quote incoming captain Joe Walker ( OS 2013 ), the Old Sennockians Football Club ‘ didn ’ t have an incredibly successful season ’ in 2020 . The keeper was keen , nonetheless , to put a positive spin on things . And so he should be .
After all , the Oaks did just enough to avoid relegation in the highest league they have ever played in , finishing eighth out of nine after being promoted last season . The bottom two teams typically go down , but not so this year , thanks to another team getting unceremoniously booted from the league for fielding ineligible players .
Sevenoaks had no such requirement , churning out spirited performances throughout the season despite some trying periods . That team spirit was embodied by young Jack Hulston ( OS 2012 ), who was numerous times dubbed ‘ Joke of the Oaks ’, but kept coming back for more and even picked up a late season man of the match .
Ryan Weeks ( OS 2010 )
The OS Golf Society
The Old Sennockians Golf Society turned out in record numbers at Crowborough Beacon GC on Monday 27 July . It was our first meeting of the year and arranged under Covid-19 rules .
Those who went out earlier had the best of the conditions and it was from the first group that the overall winner emerged . New recruit Sevenoaks teacher Paul Eversfield made his first appearance and hoovered up the longest drive prize with an absolute monster into the teeth of the wind . Dave Caldwell ( OS 1973 ), whose overall score was modest enough , won both nearest the pin prizes . The team prize was keenly fought with three of the six groups recording 74 points until the creative accounting of Gary Skivington ( OS 1969 ) found his team had actually scored 75 . Probably . The individual prize was keenly fought too , with John Kittow ( OS 1973 ) and me scoring 32 , Mike Hirst ( OS 1970 ) with 33 and Mike Lynch ( OS 1970 ) winning with 34 . Pretty good scoring considering the conditions . It is an acknowledged fact of golf that it is impossible to par the long , uphill 18th , so I had every confidence in announcing a special prize from my wine cellar for anyone who did manage it . So , imagine my delight when I achieved it myself only for Mike Hirst to dilute my glory by also holing out in four . Boo !
We had to go without the hoped-for BBQ on the sunwashed terrace but we enjoyed a beer while socially distanced in the clubhouse . We will be back here next year and hope to see the Crowborough Beacon at its brightest and best . It ’ s a great venue for society golf .
At the time of writing we are planning two more fixtures this year ; Hever in September and our first visit to the magnificently quirky Piltdown , East Sussex , in October . I warmly encourage fellow OS of any age to contact me and to join us .
Adam Gilbert , Secretary ( OS 1970 ) Email : adz . ten @ hotmail . co . uk
124 ALUMNI REVIEW