Old Hymerians produced their best team score for 30 years in the Grafton Morrish Northern qualifier at Huddersfield Golf Club, but still returned home disappointed. A total of 83 points placed them 5th of nine schools playing for the right to play in the finals at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk in early October. Sadly only four went through as of right.

Team Captain Jonathan Clark (OH 1980-90) mixed up the pairs this year in an effort to find the right formula. He teamed up with Blake Ellison (OH 1989-96) who has returned to the amateur ranks after 20 years as a pro in Thailand. They carded a ‘blob-free’ 29 points in the scratch foursomes (alternate shot) format around a Huddersfield course playing firm and bouncy.

Son George Clark (OH 2011-21) paired up with another debutant Sam Jackson (OH 2012-22). They struggled on the bumpy greens and never quite got it going, but still managed 23 points to give Hymers a sniff of the finals if the last new pairing could gel.

And did they!

Despite losing a ball at the long 3rd, Alex Limb (OH 2007-17) and Will Saville (OH 2010-20) made a birdie with their second ball for a valuable point. Alex then holed a 5 iron at the par 3 4th hole for his first ever hole-in-one! ‘It’s only taken 20 years’ said Alex! They pressed on to return a Hymers best score for 30 years of 31 points to have Captain Jonathan already planning the team and arrangements for the finals.

Then the scores were announced to burst the Old Hymerian bubble….

Ampleforth (as always) topped the qualifiers with an incredible 92 points, closely followed by Bolton (88), and a heartbreaking tie for 3rd and 4th with Giggleswick and Birkenhead both on 84. Hymers were therefore the top non-qualifiers and the team will await the scores from the other regions to see whether the north gets another spot for the finals.

Special mention to Mark Bentley (OH 1971-79) and travelling reserve Chris Pyle (OH 1994-01) who gave up their Sundays to offer support to the team and help find the odd errant tee shot!