(Golf) John Rush Trophy 2004

The Old Tauntonian & Old Bournemouthian Golf Day, held at Dibden Golf Centre on Thursday 13 May, was blessed with dry and quite warm weather. The event was once more combined with the John Rush Trophy. With three days to go before the event, the professional at Dibden 'phoned to say there would be no buggies available. As a direct consequence, from a field of 39 golfers we lost 6 and eventually fielded 33 players.

However, the spirit in which this particular event is played prevailed and, despite the setback, seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone there. The idea of inviting the Old Bournemouthians to join us for the day has really proved a benefit.

For the second year running, the John Rush Trophy was won by Richard Knight (son of Roger) with a score of 41 points but only on a count back over the second nine holes. Runner up was Ralph Turner also with a gross 41. Richard's score was sufficient also to make him the overall winner. David Defty and John Daniel (OTs) and John Knight (OB) scored 40 points each.

The Associations no longer formally compete for the Hemmings Cup but, if we had done so, the OTs would have won by some margin. The top 8 OBs scored 261, whereas the OTs scored 311. To be fair, the OBs had 9 players, whereas the OTs had 24, so the balance was biassed in our favour.

John Rush had had a recent fall and was unable to join us at the evening meal. We were joined at dinner by Ted Colenutt and Stewart Wilson, whose very welcome presence made for a creditable total of 35 diners.

Johnny Bathurst offered his grateful thanks to John Knight of Bournemouth and Duncan Pomeroy of Taunton's for their generous donations, to Roger Knight for his help in the administration, Ted Munday and Tony Herding's sterling job as score scrutinisers, and all who took part and continued to support this event.