The weather at Beadlow Manor was glorious with bright sunshine all day and a light breeze. The course was a fair test though the greens were on the slow side.

Coming the day after a humbling defeat against Surrey at West Hill, in the annual MUGS match, the U16s found the grit and determination to overcome both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire in the final triangular League Match of the season. Mathematically, either ourselves, Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire could have won the League title at Beadlow Manor though essentially it was between Bedfordshire and BB&O

The morning foursomes matches didn’t help the nerves as BB&O fell behind against Bedfordshire by 2½-1½. Hertfordshire failed to field four foursomes pairings as one boy failed to turn up. The 3–1 lead against Hertfordshire was now immaterial as Bedfordshire were the real danger. The pick of the foursomes performances came from Sam Boffin and James Smith who were 5 under par through 16 holes. In any form of golf that is impressive but in foursomes that is positively outrageous.

A comprehensive defeat against Bedfordshire in the singles would have been enough for them to snatch the title.

The boys new what the challenge was and were up for it right from the first tee shot in the afternoon. Showing great maturity and self control they established early leads against Bedfordshire in virtually all the matches. John Gough, leading the afternoon singles order, was determined to put the disappointment of two narrow losses at West Hill and another in the morning foursomes behind him, fought tooth and nail to win both afternoon matches. His determination set the tone and was mirrored throughout the whole team as comfortable leads were established through the order.

Elliot Wills, playing his best golf ran out a comfortable winner against Bedfordshire as did Zac Cooper, Robin Sullivan and Alex Nicholls. A number of these boys were 2 or 3 under par for the holes played.

The boys equipped themselves magnificently all day and worked extremely well as a team. Their teamwork in the foursomes was great to watch and their determination to bring home their own points in the singles meant that overall victory was always on the cards.

To win all six league matches this year is quite an achievement. Well done to all the boys in the U16 squads.

The Team at Beadlow Manor

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