Despite late withdrawals due to illness and injury, Hymers’ patched-up team produced their best display for many years in the Grafton Morrish Northern qualifier at Huddersfield Golf Club. A team total of 75 points, which used to be the benchmark score to qualify, was not quite enough against high-quality opposition amongst the ten schools looking to earn the right to play in the finals at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk in early October.

George Clark (OH 2011-21) made his first-ever appearance for the side and impressed in partnering captain (and Dad) Jonathan (OH 1980-90) to an excellent 27 points. It would have been a rare ‘blob-free’ round in the brutal scratch foursomes format but for an errant drive at the last from Clark Senior!

Another recent leaver Will Saville (OH 2010-20) who plays off +1 at Holme Hall, playing in only his second Grafton Morrish event, got off to a solid start with seasoned veteran David Page (OH 1979-1986). However a poor run of holes around the turn cost them dear, but a strong finish got them around in a creditable 25 points.

Finally, the Brough paring of Alex Limb (OH 2007-17) and Chris Pyle (OH 1994-2001) played some fantastic stuff tee to green, but were left ruing some cold putters! How Alex’s eagle putt at the last didn’t drop is still a mystery, but their tap in birdie saw them close out a gutsy 23-point total.

Sedburgh topped the qualifiers as usual with 87 points, closely followed by Ampleforth and Birkenhead. Bolton snuck into the last qualifying spot with 78, just ahead of St Peter’s. That left Hymers an agonising three points shy of a place in the finals.

Thanks to Alex for coming in at the last minute and the team wish Sam Middleton well in his recovery from Covid.

Written by Jonathan Clark (OH 1980-90)