.png?v=639068357897294163 "News banner for website (58)")
Jeff Smith added not one but two trophies to his collection following the annual Esher Rugby day and the splendid New Zealand Golf Club (NZGC).
The usual suspects gathered at NZGC to compete for the Alan Prentice and Usmar Trophies. The condition of the course was excellent as always and it was good to see the return of past champions Doug Clare and Derek Allen. It was also great that some current players Kiernan Canavan, Luke Drummond, George Sutherland and Jake Cummins also participated, bringing the average age down. We were also joined by the usual West Hill GC contingent, and it was Justin James that won the best guest prize.
Dick Ralph won the nearest the pin (on the 160-yard par 3 5th hole – apparently he took driver) and the saffer Johan Slabbert won the longest drive on the 18th hole.
Tim Christopher took 3rd place, and the ever-present Nick Caporn was just pipped by Jeff Smith for the Alan Prentice Trophy- worthy winners all.
After a quick lunch and some reviving club claret the afternoon pairs competition commenced.
Jeff Smith and his partner Jonathan ‘Mitch’ Mitchell won this for the second year running with Nigel Badham and Jonathon Webb a distant second. All the participants took a great deal of effort in rehydrating in the clubhouse and then at a local pub.
My thanks to all who supported the day, and our next outing will be at West Byfleet or West Hill in the summer months (the Otto Issac event at Seaford is on 12th July).
If anyone is interested in joining our small friendly group – and knocking Smithy off his throne, please contact Nikki at the Esher office on events@esherrugby.co.uk
