Seniors v Saffron Walden Away May 13 2026

 

 

Organiser Michael Newstead reports

The easterly wind that has dropped the temperature considerably over the past few days was still blowing and rain was in the forecast when 16 of John O’Gaunt’s finest set out to face the redoubtable Saffron Walden team. Five groups heading for the 1^st tee, three to the 17^th.   As always, the greenkeeping staff presented their course in immaculate condition and with fast, tricky greens.

First match out was the two Captains and their match Organisers and the game did not start well for the JOG pair who were four down after six holes.  Things did then look up somewhat and we finished the first nine just two back.  The 10^th saw the Saffron Walden pair surge ahead once again, only to be pulled back to two ahead after hole 12 and one ahead after the 13^th. A magnificent par on the difficult stroke index one on the 15^th, by Gary McSwan of Saffron Walden increased the lead once again. JOG was now two holes adrift, with three holes to play and things were not looking good at all. But, dear reader, you shouldn’t doubt the resilience of our team, and standing on the 18^th tee, the match was all square, and with a brace of pars, and the threatened showers just starting, that’s how the game ended.

According to his playing partner, Tony Goodson had an outstanding round of golf and can be credited as a major contributor to the 2-1 win they put on the score line.   Sadly however, no credit can go to Tony, as his playing partner, (yes, you know who you are), thought he was playing with someone called, “Dave”, so I guess it must be, “Dave,” who gets all the credit.   Authors note – we did have three Davids playing, but not a single, “Dave,” anywhere in sight, nor did the opposition!

Now, as to the score:

Match 1 – Tie

Match 2 – 2-1-win Saffron Walden

Match 3 – 5-3-win JOG

Match 4 – 2-1-win Saffron Walden

Match 5 – 1 up win JOG

Match 6 – 2-1-win JOG

Match 7 – 4-3-win Saffron Walden

Match 8 – 1 up win JOG

RESULT – JOG win 4.5 to 3.5.

Peter Imray carried off the bottle of wine for nearest the pin on the 7^th hole, beating Captain David by just a few inches.

Our hosts were gracious in defeat, and we are all looking forward to the return leg on the John O’Gaunt Course on 11^th August.

A lovely meal of cottage pie with fresh vegetables followed by pavlova with macerated fruits concluded a good day for John O’Gaunt, so our thanks go to the catering and house staff.