In difficult conditions, due to strong cross-winds and fast-paced greens on Woodhall Spa's challenging Hotchkin Course, the OP golf team played well to win the coveted Birkdale Bucket.

The event is an annual competition played between former pupils of 'Northern' schools namely Oundle, Stowe, Sedburgh, Giggleswick, Uppingham, Wrekin, Worksop, and Pocklington, and has been running for over 60 years!

Pictured above, immediately after the trophy presentation, is the successful team of (L-R) David Harrison (70-77), Trevor Loten (70-80), Bruce East (73-80), Mike Strong (captain, 66-76), Tim Russell (68-78), Larry Lawson (70-77), and Alex Lewis (85-94). With the best 4 stableford scores to count, Bruce & Tim came in with 34 points, and David & Trevor with 33 points.

Trevor commented: "We didn't think this would be enough to win, so were absolutely delighted when the scores were read out and our 134 total was 3 better than runners-up Worksop!"

The win was Pocklington’s ninth in the competition's history but the first since 2018 and a welcome return to form after a harsh wooden spoon last year. 

Trevor said: "It would be great to see even more OP golfers helping us to defend the trophy in a year's time. It is a handicap competition to suit all abilities, so if there are any OP golfers out there who would like to give it a go and join the OP team, please contact Rachel in the OP office to register your interest."