It was a marvellous sunny, warm day on one of Surrey’s finest golf courses. The course had recently undergone some maintenance work but this in no way detracted from the enjoyment of playing this gem of a course.

The U16’s succumbed to their first defeat since 2011 against Surrey in the annual MUGS Trophy on 27th August at West Hill. Despite a spirited fight back during the afternoon singles BB&O were unable to turn around four vital matches and eventually lost by a margin of 10½ - 4½

The morning foursomes were shared 2½- 2½ which meant that both sides equally enjoyed the carvery lunch that had kindly been laid on by West Hill. A blackberry and apple crumble desert ensured that the boys swings would be slightly slower during the afternoon singles.

The afternoon singles got off to the worst possible start with the first 7 matches on the course all down at the same time. Quite a few of the matches were 3 or 4 down after 6 holes. The situation continued to look dire until a fight back ensued midway through the afternoon. Robin Sullivan, 5 down after 9, led the comeback, pegging his opponent back to all square by the 17th. His half point was well deserved. Damien Hewitt, 4 down after 8 holes also secured a well deserved half point. Josh Davies, Elliot Wills, John Gough, George Gardner and Stanley Lewis all pushed their opponents to the last 2 holes without getting the reward that their play and resilience deserved. Steven Stanhope was the sole winner during the afternoons singles and showed great style in overcoming his older opponent on the 18th.

The margin of victory (10½-4 ½ ) gives a false indication of this match. The result was still very much in the balance late into the afternoon and it was unusual to see so many tight matches all end up with Surrey victories. The Surrey boys should be congratulated for closing out the close matches when they must have been feeling the pressure from the BB&O fight back. 

I would like to express my sincere thanks to West Hill Golf Club for looking after us on the day and to the MUGS themselves for their continued support of this great fixture.

The Team at West Hill

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