Sussex Schools Match – West Sussex GC – Sunday 25th September 2016

This year’s annual Sussex schools match was held for the first time at West Sussex, bringing the tournament back into Sussex from its previous venue at Walton Heath. The matched was blessed with pleasantly warm, sunny weather although the winds were up, especially in the afternoon. The course was in magnificent condition and the heather was particularly brutal should anyone stray offline!

Hurst, Brighton, Lancing and Eastbourne assembled their usual teams of 6 to play scratch foursomes over 36 holes. Hurst had won the trophy on three previous occasions. The Hurst team consisted of Jeremy Waud, Christian Wimshurst, Paul Turrell, Dan Burstow, Mike Harrison and Alex Fleet. The match provides a useful warm up to the Grafton Morrish taking place in early October in Norfolk.

Hurst ‘Out Blazer’ the oppo anyway!

In the morning rounds there were wins for both Burstow and Fleet and Turrell and Wimshurst. Particular mention for Turrell and Wimshurst winning on the last with a closing birdie having been one down with two to play. There was only one half in their topsy turvy match. All teams lunched well with the traditional West Sussex roast. At lunchtime, three teams (Hurst, Lancing and Eastbourne) all had three victories.

Pairings were adjusted where necessary in the afternoon as the teams went back into battle. The Hurst pairings fought gallantly in the afternoon but were only able to manage a half from their three matches and finished an eventual third on the day behind the winners, Lancing. Lancing had a near perfect afternoon by not losing any of their matches. Their team was especially strong and they thoroughly deserved their victory.

Paul Turrell presents the trophy to Lancing Captain Ross Gilbert.

A great day was had by all and everyone looks forward to returning to West Sussex in 2017. Best wishes to the Hurst team heading down to Norfolk for the Grafton. Good luck boys!

Paul Turrell – Match Organiser.