Twelve OP golfers and 12 College golfers contested their annual match at Goring & Streatley Golf Club on Tuesday October 12th.



This year the encounter took the form of six fourballs and matchplay based on handicap difference. The result was a decisive victory for the OPs by five points to one, so avenging the OPs' defeat last year. The OPs won four of the games and halved two. 

In the top match the OP Society President Robin Knight and OP Society Chairman Mark Dumas gained a three hole lead, lost it by the 11th but managed to hang on for a half on the 18th when both teams had putts to win but missed them.

The second match, involving local member Richard Parrett and his partner Greg Caswell, was also halved. This was quite an achivement considering one of the College team went round in a gross 74 playing off a 7 handicap. According to Greg it was his "second best round ever."

The third match produced the first OP victory - a whopping 8&6 win by two OPGS stalwarts, Nick Beattie and Peter Hughes. Nick and Peter have yet to lose when playing together for the Society. 

In the remaining matches, Giles Fuchs and partner Richard Sarsfield-Hall hung in to overcome stiff and persistent opposition and record a 2 up victory. The OPs strongest pairing - Pip Smitham playing off 7 and James Ash playing off 2- had to fight all the way to the final hole to record a one hole victory. The last pairing - OPGS Secretary Charlie Parry and his partner Peter Lowe - won handily by 4&2.

Overall, it was a most enjoyable occasion played in a very good spirit on a course in excellent autumnal condition with, for once, fine afternoon weather. Photos of those who took part have been posted in the Gallery sectionthis website.

The next meeting of the OPGS will take place on Tuesday 6 July , 2011, at Hankley Common GC.