In previous years we have played for the Foresail Trophy as a triangular event. This year though the Old Reedonians decided to withdraw and so we played for the trophy against Old Dovorians (ODs), once again at West Surrey and on a glorious sunny day.

Our first four ball better ball pair of David Dunn and Mike Hutchinson came up against the steady pairing of Richard Robinson and Charlie Scott, who were too strong for us on the day and they won 4 and 2.

Our second pairing, Tony Dunn and Colin Farrant fared much better against their opponents, Gilbert Thompson and John Hardy and comfortably won 4 and 3.

The third OEGS pairing of Iryna Photiou and Will Hawes were one up with one to play, against West Surrey member, Rob Secrett and Jarle Tatt. Our opponents though won the 18th hole and the match was halved.

So the final result came down to the last pairing of OEGS captain, David Burt and Paul Wickman, who were up against the ODs captain, Tony Robin, also a West Surrey member and Mark Rumble. Despite Paul playing a very steady round of golf and having to sink birdie putts to win holes, our opponents managed to hang on and won 2 and 1.

So the Foresail Trophy for 2026 was won by the Old Dovorians 2½ to 1½

However, it wasn’t all bad news for the OEGS team, as Iryna won a bottle of wine with nearest the pin on the 12th and Paul also won a bottle for nearest the pin in two on the 16th hole, with a glorious second shot which landed no more than six feet from the pin.

OEGS member, David Burt (left), presenting the Foresail Trophy to the winning Old Dovorians match manager, Tony Robin