In a complete change to recent weather conditions the annual match against the Gophers’ GS was enjoyed in balmy weather on a course in fine condition considering the amount of rain we have suffered recently.
Two teams of 12-a-side competed for the Tony Lowe Trophy which was won by XLGS in 2023. After many line-up changes taking place over recent weeks and with the large cohort of XL players also being members of the Gopher ranks (including current and immediate past Captains, Treasurer, Secretary and not forgetting the Gophers’ Centenary Captain and President) the sides had the look of an XLGS Autumn Meeting.
After a fine NZGC lunch and varying amounts of bottled livener the Gophers’ Captain, Bill Turton, rallied his team by reminding them that this was the Gophers’ centenary year and that great things were expected from them. In response XLGS Match Manager, Peter Edwards, called on the golfing gods and exhorted his team to greater things by asking them to win by half a point, even despite the mathematics being unable to create such a scenario! The match stood at 3-3 at that point.
Indeed the golfing gods did move the heavens to watch XLGS man Roy Grey hit a splendid shot on the par 3 5th hole which found the bottom of the cup (see picture below) and a wonderful hole-in-one. Gophers opponent Bill John was left with a 168 yard shot for a half which narrowly missed (the green that is) and that match returned to all-square. Such was the level of imbibing over lunch the celebratory drinks at the half-way hut consisted of ginger beer and kit-kats.
The situation looked dire for XLGS with Gophers’ bringing home two early points but with a strong rearguard effort the match eventually ended up a tie at 6-6. The Tony Lowe Trophy was therefore handed back, by the sponsor himself, to Peter Edwards for XLGS to retain for a further year.
As always the match was highly enjoyable and played in the best of spirits with both sides looking forward to the return next year.
Anon
