As ever, the Windcheaters gave us a wonderfully convivial weekend at Royal County Down, as well as the traditional thumping on the golf course, this time by 10 points to 2.
Arriving in Belfast on 12 July – the start of the ‘marching season’, remembering 1690(!) – our driver skilfully avoided the affected areas and delivered us to RCD in good time for lunch and some afternoon golf. That evening, we enjoyed a lively, informal dinner at the Avoca Hotel in Newcastle, when we were joined by half the home team.
The 36-hole match was played on the incomparable Championship Links (justly rated #1 in Europe) on Saturday 13 July in calm, predominantly dry and occasionally sunny conditions. At dinner in the Clubhouse, those speaking for the hosts included Jeremy Hill and Roger Holland, the Windcheaters’ Match Manager and Captain respectively, as well as Nick Coburn, Captain of RCD; responding for XLGS were Chris Greet, Captain, and myself. Inter alia, it was announced that Finbarr O’Connor would succeed me as Manager.
On Sunday morning, the customary ‘dinner’, or ‘hangover’, foursomes, were played on the Annesley Links, again in untypical, near-perfect weather. After Pimms on the lawn, we had an excellent lunch and took our leave to fly home, thoroughly well-fed and -watered and somewhat golfed-out.
At the Saturday dinner fond reference was made to the history of this important fixture, which the Windcheaters value as much as we do. Looking to the future, we will seek to reciprocate in two years’ time at St. George’s Hill, subject to availability and cost, but will also explore other venues, including Rye, where the first fixture was played.
It is impossible to overstate the warmth and depth of the friendship that exists between the Windcheaters and the Forty Club, which we must endeavour to maintain. Long live the Craic!
Alistair Defriez, Match Manager
