RAFGS v Sonning GC - 27/28 August 26

Following our success in regaining the Midddlemist Trophy at Woodhall Spa in May, the RAFGS team were optimistic that we could retain the Clyne Cup in the return fixture at Sonning on 27/28 August. The course was showing some signs of recovery from the dry summer following recent rain, but the fairways were still firm, with a well-struck shot running for some distance - great if going in the right direction, not so good if heading for trouble.

The first day's play started under threatening skies, with some dark clouds and distant rolls of thunder. Fortunately the thunderstorms were not heading towards the course and gradually disappeared, allowing play to continue without interruption. As the early results came in,  things initially looked promising for Sonning, with two wins in the first three matches.  However, the RAFGS finished strongly, taking all three of the remaining matches to establish a 4-2 overnight lead. Everyone enjoyed a tasty and very sociable dinner in the clubhouse after the golf and we were delighted that Sue Middlemist, Malcolm's daughter, was there to present Match Manager Tim Evans with the Middlemist trophy.

The following morning's play got off to an inauspicious start, as no-one had arrived to open the Pro Shop - some re-shuffling of the order of play was necessary as some Sonning players had left their clubs in the shop and those who had requested buggies couldn't access them. Fortunately all the matches were able to start without holding up subsequent play and, with no threat of rain or thunderstorms, the RAFGS team were hopeful of securing a notable win. Sadly it was not to be, as Sonning Captain Claire Randell's smile got progressively wider as the results of the matches came in. Although all but one of the matches were close, it was only the half point earned in the final match that saved the RAFGS from a whitewash. 

Following a lunch of  sandwiches and chips, Tim Evans congratulated Claire Randell and her team on their 7 1/2 to 4 1/2 victory and presented Claire with the Clyne Cup. Hopefully we will regain the trophy in 2027!

RAFGS team: Tim Evans (Match Manager), David Backhouse, Peter Bedford, Robby Boyce, Ray Bull, Roger Carr, Nigel Dowdall, Rick Lipscomb, Roy Logan, John Pearce, Dennis Virgo, Ollie Whatt