Haileybury and Bishops have a long and strong relationship which goes back at least to 1964 when Anthony Mallett, a housemaster at Haileybury, arrived to take over the reins of Principal of Bishops. Ian Pinnington a Haileybury maths teacher came for a term to teach - and stayed. In 1976, the first of the annual Bishops-Haileybury pupil exchanges took place and every year since then there has been a Bishops boy at Haileybury. One of those was Stuart Commins (F, 2006) who together with Doug Mallett (M, 2007 and Anthony Mallett's grandson), played in today's inaugural match against the Old Haileyburians (OHs). This is the second of our alumni association golfing relationships, the other being with the Old Tonbridgians.
Mark Courage (OH captain - non-playing on this occasion) and Alex Price (M, 2008 - playing captain) have worked long and hard to make the game happen. The magnificent RAC in Surrey, almost our golfing home, thanks to Charles Jillings (F, 1973) played host to the match on Saturday 11th August 2018 which started with customary sandwiches and french fries to soak up the excesses of the week and lay the carb foundation for the rigours ahead.
Enjoying the game, forming new friendships and building networks are the primary objectives of such encounters (until we win, when the result becomes paramount). These were achieved in spades, summarised in Alex's notes below. But first the team: Alex Price (M, 2007), Greg Baldwin (O, 1975), Steve Suckling (F, 1976), Dermott Commins (G, 2000), Stuart Commins (F, 2006,) Doug Mallett (M, 2007), Dan Linegar (K, 2010) and Seb Golding (F, 2011):
"Match 1: Doug and I went out against a formidable pairing of Tom Boardman and Peter Kenyon-Muir. Without halving a hole over the first 8 holes, it was a true ping-pong battle. Peter, who was a true hero on the day, pitched in twice from 80 yards for birdie. Putting on an all round amazing display of golf, coming in with a -2 score on the back 9. It was a tough first match out, and we were fairly beaten 4&3. OH win 4&3.
Match 2: Dermot and Stuart Commins. Late recruit Dermot, who showed massive dedication by driving 2hrs to get to the fixture, proved himself even more around the greens of the RAC. He and Stuart remained rock solid against a +2 handicapper from the opposition, and managed to secure the only victory for the OD's on the day. OD win 3&2.
Match 3: How this one got away from the OD's still needs further explaining. Stephen Suckling and Greg Baldwin, a veteran representation for a young OD side on the day, were 4 up with 6 to play and ended up losing the match 1 down. Stephen mentioned a fault in his Garmin distance device, Greg's elbow was wrapped up pretty heavily. Whatever the reason was for the loss it was a solid effort nonetheless to have got the opponents to a 4 down position. OH win 1 up.
Match 4: Daniel Linegar and Seb Golding. A great anchor pairing. It was a very even game by the sound of it which was very even throughout. With both teams struggling to get used to the speed of the greens all day, on the 9th hole this fourball all rolled in putts of 20+ feet. Don't think there was a longer putt holed all day. Unfortunately this game was won by the opposition on the last hole, with a gimme putt which was given. OH win 1 up.
The OD's lost this inaugural fixture 3-1 to a better side on the day.
To read the report and see all the photos, click HERE
