Status: Completed

News and information from this event

MTGS vs SMTGS (‘The Scots’)
Worplesdon G C – Surrey
13/14 May 2010


This famous old competition for the Rolls Royce Trophy has been played between the sides since 1967. The situation prior to this encounter was that, of the 43 matches played, the standings were as follows:-

Scotland..................................25 wins

England...................................13 wins

Matches halved........................5

So it was with this background that the MTGS team faced the ‘old enemy’ again, this time on home soil on the classic Surrey heath and heather of Worplesdon. Over the two days of competition, the course played beautifully with fast running greens and in a state of preparation that defied the adverse weather conditions of recent months. The weather was dry and sunny with the breeze more noticeable on Day 2.

Day 1 however proved a setback for MTGS ambitions with the ‘Scots’ playing very well particularly on the greens. With three of their team coming from Blairgowrie, they were well used to heathland golfing conditions. At the end of the day the scores were:-

Scotland..................................3

England...................................1

The sole MTGS win came from the pairing of President-elect James Crickmay and his playing partner, David Warren, our esteemed match sponsor. They both completed the two days unbeaten, as it turned out – albeit with different playing partners on Day 2 .

Dinner that night was held in the old Victorian dining room at the Clubhouse and was a memorable occasion with toasts on both sides being given and much friendly banter. The Club were most welcoming and dinner was enjoyed. The party also appreciated very much the short speech from MTGS member Geoff Gillespie, member of Worplesdon, about the history of the club and its famous allumnii. Geoff also kindly acted as official starter for the competition on Day 1.

The tables were turned next day with a spirited fightback from MTGS. The pairing of Peter Featherstone and Craig Fraser won their match and all the other matches were halved with a very sporting concession for a half given to their opponents by Oliver Harris and Mike Evans on the last green – true to the ethos of this competition.

Day 2 therefore finished with a score of;-

Scotland.................................11/2

England..................................21/2

This of course meant that the ‘Scots’ had won with a 41/2 to 31/2 advantage and thus recaptured the Rolls Royce Trophy.

Although a defeat, this match represented a great start to the golfing year for MTGS. Our guests were enamoured with our welcome and our hospitality. New friendships were made which will last and the games were played in the true sporting traditions of the Society. The golf was enjoyed and so was the venue and we had great fun too - all is not lost!

Our thanks must go to Worplesdon G C for hosting us so well; to the Scots for being such good guests and hardy competitors; to Geoff Gillespie for helping to arrange the fixture at such good value for money and for his many other contributions to the event; to Peter Featherstone as Match Secretary for all his efforts in producing such a great event; to David Warren for his kind support as match sponsor and finally to all the MTGS team who represented the Society;-

Ray Fisher
James Crickmay
Oliver Harris
Mike Evans
David Warren
Peter Featherstone
Craig Fraser



Gerry Lynch
May 2010