SUGC Retain Sheffton Trophy

The opening match for the Senior League team is a ‘friendly’ between the two golf unions. The Sheffton Trophy is a long-standing event, first established in 1963.

The day dawned cloudless, the course was in pristine condition for the time of the year, greens double cut that morning, the clubhouse balcony crowded with spectators, so all was set fair for the usual match challenge. Sheffield’s lead foursome pairing of Nick Poppleton and Sam Rook brought home a sparkling 5&3 win, but were followed by three losing pairings – the challenge was writ large!  But then the inspired pairing of Neil Stones (Schuey), the all-conquering captain over the last two years, with Josh Berry, our new recruit from Doncaster, scored a mighty 8&6 win followed by a 4&3 win by the last pairing of Richard Hanson and Lee Hopwood. Honours even at lunchtime.

The afternoon session was even warmer for the singles, the balls flying further, the greens quickening up, water bottles a must. The heat was on, just as well we had provided our team players with an SUGC cap. Nick again scored a sparkling win, his opponent  taking the barrage of birdies in good spirit. At the halfway stage it looked as though the Bolton players were outscoring ours, the ultimate challenge still on. It was nip and tuck all the way but thanks to several recoveries from losing positions the Sheffield team just managed to edge out a final victory of 10 points to 8.

Some of our regular players were golf engaged elsewhere, eg the Lytham Trophy, so this match gave us the opportunity to involve ‘new’ players, all of whom won their singles match, notably Richard Jones ‘out of retirement?’, Jim Tasker (Hallamshire) and Josh Berry, the 12 year old youngest  ever Union Senior League player, fresh from his victories in the Spanish and French U14 Championships. Congratulations to all, and additionally to Neil Allen in his first match as captain, and, of course to our current President, Jeff Roden.

A great start to our 2018 season and long may the spirit of the Sheffton Trophy continue.

Return to News Page

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.