Royal Cinque Ports 6 - 6 University of Oxford

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the Dark Blues advanced to Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club where they were greeted by much improved weather conditions. This saw some players flourish in the morning round, such as the Dinner pairing of Andrew West (a member of Deal) and Hamish Jackson who recorded an 8&7 victory. Others, however, found the going a little tougher. Crummey´s 100% record he had so diligently maintained the day and night before was dashed as his first tee shot sailed into the door of a shiny new Chrysler. These mixed fortunes left the match in the balance at the luncheon interval.

The afternoon charge began badly with the Dinner Match pairing failing to produce the form they showed in the morning. Three solid wins in the middle order from Gems/Ghorpade, Mercurio/van Wijk and Upcott Gill/Hoolahan gave the visitors at 6-5 lead with one game going down a very dark 18th hole. With the match at A/S, Chang/Slowther were undone by two magical shots from the hosts, resulting in a very sociable half overall.

Later this month, the Blues will return to Royal Cinque Ports for the 122nd University Match. The course was in fantastic condition and all were excited by the prospect of such an excellent venue for the event. It awaits to be seen who will prevail, but an equally impressive two days for the Dark Blues will surely stand them in good stead against the other place.