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Sixth Form Golfers Retain King William's College Trophy

On Saturday 19th April 2008, six members of the St. Anselm’s Sixth Form Golf Society travelled to the Isle of Man in an attempt to retain the King Williams College Golf Trophy they won during the inaugural event last year. They were one of eight teams invited from across the North West region to take part in this prestigious competition. Other teams included Stonyhurst, Lancaster, Bolton and Crosby colleges.

The tournament was once again played out over the internationally acclaimed Castletown Golf Club links, which was recently voted one of the top 75 European golf courses. A harsh and exposed course, Castletown is surrounded on three sides by the Irish Sea. When the winds blow, which they did, it takes an incredibly talented and composed golfer to master the conditions. Thankfully at St. Anselm’s, we have a rich vein of golfers that fit the bill!

The team, consisting of Joe Sephton (Playing Captain), Tom Madden (Playing Vice-Captain), Josh Jones, Harrison Stewart, Josh Boland and Richard Parker, performed under the auspices of Mr. Reynolds (Non-Playing Captain) and Mr. Witherspoon.

On arrival in the Isle of Man, the squad spent the afternoon on the practice ground at Castletown GC, before walking the course to familiarise themselves with the nuances of the fairways, bunkers and greens. This included the splendid 17th Ravine hole, where the tee shot requires an arrow straight 200+ yard drive over a gaping 200-foot ravine that plunges down into the sea.

On Sunday 20th April, the team played 36 holes, involving an 18-hole Stableford competition in the morning, followed by an afternoon’s 18-hole Texas Scramble. The conditions were incredibly tough, with a treacherous icy, gusting wind testing the technique, fitness and morale of all the competitors involved. As the shadows lengthened over the historic ruins on the course and the waves crashed against the cliffs along the out of bounds markers, the competition organisers expected Stonyhurst College to take the honours.

However, they reckoned without the steel, determination and raw talent of the St. Anselm’s College Sixth Formers. Despite the handicap of being drawn to play last in the afternoon, when the course and the weather conditions were at their most savage, the team proved their worth. Solid technique, sound course management and excellent teamwork on the part of the St. Anselm’s golfers saw the team return a marvellous nett score that left the organisers open mouthed - and Stonyhurst out in the cold!

At the conclusion of a very long physically and mentally draining day, the team had played strongly as individuals and as a group. As a direct result, they received their just rewards. The St. Anselm’s golfers made their very own piece of College history by being crowned the first ever team to return to King Williams College and lift the trophy yet again. They were presented with the impressive winners shield at a champagne presentation dinner in the 175 year old Barrovian Hall of King Williams College itself.

All of the boys are to be commended on their splendid performance throughout the weekend. Each and every one of them proved themselves to be excellent golfers as well as wonderful ambassadors for the College. However, special mention must be made in respect of Tom Madden and Joe Sephton who were integral members of the winning teams in both 2007 and 2008. This in itself is a remarkable achievement and here at College we are incredibly proud of them. Congratulations guys!

To see details and pictures of last year's victory, click here.