The final installment of the pre-selection period was staged in Thame, Oxfordshire at a course with a reputation of brutality and hostility. Measuring over 7,100 yards, the baron nature of The Oxfordshire´s layout is a very handy links-style test in the very middle of the Country.

In very damp conditions, many players excelled with the carrot of Varsity selection dangling so close. The Trial was won by Secretary Calum Slowther with an impressive level-par 72. Three shots back was Hertford Physiologist Hamish Jackson, with Captain Matthew Wells and Alex, son of Chritopher, Gems on 76.

Dubai-dwelling, Dutch-descending Robert van Wijk gave a clinic on ball striking but failed to score with equivalent impressiveness, carding a six-over 78. Tim Hoolahan, OUGC´s official Ladies´ Liaison Officer, showed little sign of his recent heavy workload by shooting a 79 despite two late double bogeys.

The trial at The Oxfordshire completes the foundations of Varsity selection. Hugh Upcott Gill, OUGC´s answer to Benedict Bermange, will be busy crunching numbers in time for selection dinner where the men that will endeavour to deliver a Dark Blue win at Deal will be chosen.