On Sunday 21st September little old Hinksey Heights played in the B,B & O Hillman Trophy against Newbury & Crookham (N&C) at the very well-kept Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Eight players went for a practice round on the course the Wednesday before, which was very useful to try and understand quite how fast the greens were. Gavin Wheeler made his choice for the lucky 7 to play the final after the practice round.

Before the match started, we could see many more than seven from N&C on the practice area, and soon found out that each player had a caddie plus supporters just coming to watch so we felt a little overrun.

Neil Smith went out first with Gavin Wheeler following in the next match, both these matches went to the end with HH taking a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, N&C had a very strong team/squad with extremely good golfers and after great fights from David Buckle, Alasdair Watson, Jeremy Wood, Ian Cox and Christian Harvey, the result ended 2-5. Christian's opponent’s caddie was a 2 handicap and was very useful reading the putts which must have been a big help on these tricky greens.

Congratulations to Newbury and Crookham for the 5-2 win that followed losing last year in the final. Fingers crossed then we will need 7 caddies for next year’s final.

We have much to feel proud of, having beaten Oxford, North Oxford, Tadmarton Heath and The Lambourne on our way to the final!

Thank you to B,B & O for running the event and Goring and Streatley for hosting the final with the delicious roast chicken and fruit crumble.

Neil Smith, Team Scribe!

Picture: Hillman Trophy plaque in the bar commemorating our last win.