For the first time in several years, King’s Canterbury was drawn to start the tournament at Royal Cinque Ports GC, a course where pairing of players can be a more simplified process than the neighbouring Royal St. George’s. Players taking the odd holes need to be solid drivers from the tee and reliable putters, whereas the even hole players take all the par 3’s and the majority of the approach shots. Practice started on the Tuesday with Captain Jonny Hudsmith, Jake McGuigan and Hayden Wood playing a fun front nine, joined by James Flashman-Fox at the turn. Deal was in great shape and the team worked up an appetite for The Rose, where the foursome was joined by young thrusters Zach Barker and Edouard Barrois. A very quiet evening followed, despite attempts by the staff to encourage us to overtrain.

Further practice followed on Wednesday, with the remainder of the team all making an appearance for a marathon putting practice session prior to dinner.

The team was joined by loyal supporters Nick Phillis and Ryan Noades for the traditional black tie dinner on the eve of the tournament at Royal St. George’s. This was one of the busiest yet with eight schools in attendance and over 110 diners.

The team all sported new OKSGS bow ties (most expertly tied by Ali Lyons). We ate and drank very modestly, conscious of the early start versus Felsted the next morning.

Almost 20 years since our only previous meeting with Felsted, we didn’t really know what to expect, but like a lot of schools, they had recently benefited from some talented school leavers joining their team.

Out top at 0855hrs was possibly the longest named pairing in Hewitt history – Matt Ferrari-Wells & James Flashman-Fox. Both lifelong Deal members, this was their manor and they weren’t about to let the Essex boys spoil their day. Unfortunately, the oppo came out of the traps quite smartly and we were down early in the match. Unfazed, Wellsy and Foxy knuckled down and an exquisite short game display, coupled with some very naughty putting, effectively destroyed the Felsted resolve and King’s won 3&2 – Bravo!

Second pair was a new (but deadly) pairing of Jake McGuigan & Zach Barker. A slightly inauspicious practice routine by Zach had the Captain briefly concerned, but this proved to be unfounded as Jake and Zach played very solid golf to prevail 4&3.

Two points in the bag, so only one point required from the final three games…

Third pair Ali Lyons & Hayden Wood were confident after a great run last year. They probably came up against Felsted’s top pair, who played very well and our chaps were unable to establish any authority. A point to Felsted.

Fourth pair Edouard Barrois & Mark Healy were in a tussle with holes regularly exchanged down the back nine. King’s crept ahead on 17th green, with Heals refusing an offer of a half. Felsted missed their putt and Heals rammed his to the bottom of the cup for a 1 up lead.

Just as this story was nearing its conclusion, anchor pair Tom Caney and Jonny Hudsmith were 2 up playing the 16th. A solid par was sufficient to win their match and a third point for King’s, meaning we were through to the second round. An eager Felsted captain suggested a friendly half for the fourth pairs, which in the spirit of the competition they accepted, despite being in the driving seat on 18th King’s through 3.5-1.5.

Friday morning’s second round pitted us against Rossall, who had beaten Gresham’s in the first round. Rumours circulated that Rossall had a young, very talented side, no doubt a product of their golfing academy at the school, which had been established for several years. King’s was undaunted and we prepared for Friday by seeking inspiration from the cuisine of Milaad’s and golf of the US Masters participants. We were ready.

It would be remiss of your correspondent not to report an event which occurred during post first round drinks in the Deal clubhouse. Waiting patiently at the bar, Foxy overhead a Rossall player mocking the “ridiculous names of the King’s top pair”…….Flashman-Fox and Ferrari-Wells. Keeping his counsel, Foxy was rescued by the astute Deal bar staff, who stated very clearly – “What I can get you Mr Flashman-Fox?”. The mocking stopped abruptly and Foxy turned to the Rossallian (who had shrunk somewhat in size), winked and walked away. Game on!

Sadly, the Rossall rumours were true.

Our two top pairs (Ferrari-Wells & Flashman-Fox and Barker & McGuigan) were pitted against some extremely tidy golf. Both pairs were honest enough to admit that they were beaten by better golfers. This happens occasionally and must be put down to experience.

Third pair Barrois & Healy were again in a tight match, with rarely more than one hole separating the two teams.

Tom Caney & Jonny Hudsmith were also up against it at 4th pair. Despite King’s playing some aggressive golf, the Rossall pair was relentless with their putting and rarely allowed the King’s pair a look in. A birdie 2 on 14th for King’s only delayed the inevitable to the next hole and Rossall had 3 points.

Ali Lyons & Hayden Wood playing 5th pair were able to take a half, which was a great effort, after Hayden had rather cruelly been paid an unwelcome visit by Mr Armitage whilst warming up on the range.

Our 3rd pair also took a gentleman’s half, as the match result was decided.

Rossall was a very polished side and the match was played in great spirit and they were great company. Many of our experienced players felt they had a huge chance of going all the way. We were proved right - Rossall continued successfully to the Final, where they crushed Winchester 4-1.

Another Hewitt, but great fun – we benefited from additional support on the course from stalwarts Ed Lines, Nick Phillis and Chris Elliott and also Team Healy. Tony Amlot was also a Starter.

Huge thanks to everyone who played – we had great team spirit and are starting to see some solid pairs being established. Thanks also to Hayden Wood who sourced a range of OKSGS merchandise (including our new bowties), but also secured very comfortable accommodation for the team in Deal.

Thoughts now turn to the hallowed turf of Knole Park GC and Grafton Morrish Qualifying.