The Old Pocklingtonian 2018-19 | Page 21

SPORT THE 8TH ANNUAL POCKLINGTONIAN GOLF DAY After a strong start and a consistent back nine, the “Awesome Foursome” team of Pocklington School staff were this year’s winners of the Tom Nash President’s Cup at the annual Pocklingtonian Golf Day at The Oaks Golf Club on Friday 7 June 2019. Nine teams of current and former parents, OPs and staff took part in the competition which is now in its eighth year. The course at The Oaks was in excellent condition as always and despite the rain setting in by mid-afternoon, the teams enjoyed their rounds and the halfway house. In the hole in one competition on the 7th hole, a couple of players came close to winning the Fiat 500 sponsored by family car dealership SG Petch. In the end the car was safe and was returned to the garage for another year. Also on display from the SG Petch range was the Alfa Romeo Stelvio 4x4. Nearest the pin: Peter Williams of RG4 After the rounds, supper was served in the clubhouse and Trevor Loten (70-80), OP President, said a few words of thanks and presented the prizes. He also gave apologies from the new Headmaster, Toby Seth, who was unable to attend this year but sent his best wishes to everyone and hopes to be at next year’s event. Nearest the pin in two: Isaac Green of OP’have Rachel Dare, OP Liaison Officer, stepped in to present the President’s Cup given that Trevor himself was in the winning team! The staff were delighted to have won the trophy – the second time in the event’s history. The win was particularly apt given that Dave Tyrell and Dave Galloway were both retiring from teaching in the summer after 18 and 20 years’ service to Pocklington School respectively. OPs Pippa (97-06) and Ed Nutt (95-06) and their staff team at The Oaks hosted the event really well; it is fantastic to maintain this OP connection and the atmosphere at the club is always friendly and welcoming which adds to the enjoyment of the event for those taking part. The full results from this year’s competition are as follows: 1st Prize and The Tom Nash President’s Cup Winners 2019: Awesome Foursome – Trevor Loten (70-80), Martin Butcher, Dave Galloway, Dave Tyrell (90 points) 2nd Prize: OP’have – Henry Laverack (03-10), Isaac Green (09-11), James Bisson (04-12), Alex Torkington (07-11) (88 points) Longest drive: Kevin Stubley of Warrendale Farms (Men) and Ali Johnson of The Golfing Girls (Ladies) Other teams: The Hopefuls: Mike Kirby, Dan Sweeting, Andrew Smith, Keith Moore (86 points) RG4: Tony Risso-Gill, Peter Williams, Charles Hodgson, Kieron Traynor (84 points) Westwood Wanderers: Jeremy Shaw (54-64), Roger Shaw (52-62), Peter Lee, Stephen Hill (82 points) Driffield Ps: Steve Burke, Andrew Barton, Paul Walker, Paul Hankin (77 points) SG Petch: John Austin, Jerry Petch, Terry Turner, Stuart Turner (77 points) The Golfing Girls: Di Flint, Sue Mason, Ali Johnson, Anika Giles (75 points) Diary date NEXT YEAR’S GOLF DAY WILL BE ON Friday 12 June 2020 at The Oaks 3rd Prize: Warrendale Farms – James Thornton (24), Kevin Morley (11), Jack Oxtoby (28), Matthew Green (28) (86 points – tied with The Hopefuls, but won on a better back 9) OP GOLF SOCIETY: BIRKDALE BUCKET 2019 After last year’s success in the Birkdale Bucket at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, the pressure was on to retain the silverware, but it was always going to be an uphill struggle! In a competition where the best four scores count, Pocklington fielded a last minute team with a bare four players: Mike Strong (66-76), Dave Morgan (68-75), Dave Harrison (68-75) and Jonathan Rosendale (70-78). Thanks must go to newcomers Dave Harrison and Jonathan who gallantly stepped in at short notice to make up a team depleted by genuine absence and injuries. However, the Pocklington crew made their presence felt and there was due reward for the team’s loyalty and efforts. On the Saturday, teams competed for the Birkdale Bucket. Dave Harrison, in his first year of competing in the competition, scored a magnificent 33 points, to take runner-up in the Hinchcliffe Spade and win the Pocklington Plate. The other scores were Mike Strong (30), Dave Morgan (23) and Jonathan Rosendale (22), placing the team fifth out of seven teams, narrowly missing the wooden spoon! If Jonathan was disappointed with his performance, after enduring a long drive from the South early on Saturday morning, his luck changed rapidly the following day. He played an excellent round of golf on a hard scoring course plagued by strong winds, and won the Sunday foursomes convincingly. The very pleasant winner’s cheque surely made the journey home feel shorter! Next year, the competition will be held on 14- 15 March 2020, so if any golfing OPs (maximum handicap limit of 20) would like to play, please save the date in your diary – you will be very welcome. This annual event is played on an excellent, historic course and is rated 9th in England, 26th in Europe and 78th in the world. The event begins with an optional informal practise round on the Friday afternoon, followed by a fun dinner. After the Birkdale Bucket is played on the Saturday, there is usually time to watch the Six Nations Rugby before settling down to an entertaining evening dinner and auction. The 18- hole foursomes for the Hinchcliffe Tankards follow on the Sunday, with a lunch to finish the weekend. If you would like to express interest in playing next year, please contact Rachel Dare in the OP office. 21