Golf v Royal Ashdown Ladies
1^st VI
If only every Monday afternoon could be so pleasantly spent! In glorious sunshine, the six boys and Mr Floyd wielded their clubs and set off to Royal Ashdown. Divided into either the Blues or the Reds, battled commenced. Some fabulous golf was played by all parties and the boys displayed plenty of chivalry and charm! A scrumptious tea greeted us in the club house and the day was concluded with a couple of speeches and some prizes. The Reds won the day in a closely fought contest. Much fun had by all… DF

Thursday, 22nd September

Golf v St Christopher’s
1^st IV Drew 1-1
The 1^st IV had a very enjoyable match against St Christopher’s from Hove on Thursday afternoon. We played on the stunningly picturesque nine-hole course at Villa Golf, a fifteen minute drive from Ashdown. We played a four-ball-better-ball format with Carlos Espinosa and Nikko Elliott playing as our first pair and William Strutt and Luke Berry as No 2 pair. Unfortunately St Christopher’s had one player who had to drop out of their team at the last minute, so their best golfer played by himself against Carlos and Nikko. Both matches were keenly contested with many holes halved. Carlos and Nikko finished 1 up against the St Christopher’s No 1 while William and Luke ended 1 down against their opponents. Everyone enjoyed the outing and both matches were played in just the right spirit, with honours even at the end. MH

The golf team acquitted themselves very well in a most enjoyable match against Brambletye, played in the picturesque setting of the Effingham Park course in Copthorne. Our first pair was Michael Berry and Maria Espinosa. Our second pair was Henry Smith and James Taylor. Our third pair was Luke Berry and Ollie Wills. Each pair played match-play against their Brambletye opposition under a four-ball-better-ball format. Half way round the nine holes the matches were all very close. Luke and Ollie played well, but in the end their Brambletye opponents went ahead to win 3 and 1. Henry and James did well, but went down 2 and 1. Michael and Maria were in fine form and were one-up with two to play. The 8th hole was halved with Maria sinking a superb putt from twenty feet for a par three. We were therefore still one up with one to play, but a terrific tee shot from one of the Brambletye boys set them up to win the final hole and they finished all square. Well done to the whole team! MH

Sunday, 7th November
1st VI v Brambletye

Scheduling a golf match for 7^th November implies a degree of optimism is required from both teams. Most children would probably avoid spending a cold, cloudy, windswept day trying to manoeuvre a small ball (with a mind of its own) into the tiniest of holes. Fortunately the Ashdown and Brambletye pupils (and staff) are made of stern stuff and the match proceeded.

Brambletye dominated the four balls winning all three matches, although two were by a single hole. Going into the six singles matches Ashdown required a result similar to the American team in the recent Ryder Cup to have a chance of making up the lead held by Brambletye. It was not to be as Michael Berry (match halved) and Carlos Espinosa (won, one up) were the only team members to score any points.

Brambletye therefore emerged victorious. Well played everybody. DG

Monday, 4th October

1st VI v Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club Ladies
I would suggest that usually on the first Monday after the completion of the Ryder Cup competition most golf courses are quite busy with enthusiasts attempting to emulate a small part of the drama that always surrounds this contest. Well this Monday, because of poor weather in Wales, the competition went into a extra day. This meant the West Course of the RAFGC was clear and the Ashdown boys and girl had the opportunity to enjoy 9 holes of golf with the guidance of a more experienced partner. The red team won the contest two and a half points to one and a half points. There was some great golf played ; Ollie Crawford sank a 43 foot putt (it was paced out!), Henry Smith drove both of the par 3s and Sophie Sood held a 4 foot putt to win her match one up! After the golf we enjoyed a superb tea in the clubhouse where great shots were discussed and debated as the descriptions got more and more elaborate.

All in all it turned out to be a great day and those in the defeated blue team could console themselves with a fourteen and a half, thirteen and a half victory for Europe! Well played all. D.G.

1st VI
2-1 On Sunday
The 1st Golf VI played their first match of the term away at Cottesmore. The boys enjoyed their afternoon of golf in warm, sunny conditions and the matches were played in a fine spirit. Our first pair of James Mathison and Tom Watson lost 2 down, the second pair of Sam McCarthy and Hilary Foord finished 4 up, while our third pair of Ed Collins and Ed Elliott won 2 up to give us the win by two matches to one.. Well played, everyone! MH