112th Royal Artillery vs Royal Engineers 3 – 4 Oct 18

Match Report – 112th Cowley Cup
Royal Artillery 7 ½ vs Royal Engineers 16 ½
3-4 Oct 18
Royal St. George’s Golf Club

The Royal Artillery were comprehensively defeated at Royal St. George’s by a Royal Engineer team that continues to become stronger. Weather conditions were unusually tranquil on the links throughout the match and the course continues to develop ahead of the 2020 Open Championship.
The Gunner team fell behind 8 ½ to 3 ½ after the first day with only the pairing of Jack Musgrove and Bruce McAulay winning in the morning foursomes. In the afternoon singles, only Adman Hayward and McAulay registered wins.
With lots to do on the second day, a big return in the morning foursomes was essential. However, the team fell short of this target and again only Musgrove/McAulay managed to take a point. The Sappers needed only ½ a point from the 8 afternoon singles to retain the Cowley Cup. The Cowley Cup was duly sealed by Ben Churchill in the first match. However, the Gunners battled on and it was excellent to see Trev Parks and Bruce McAulay getting deserved wins for brilliant golf.
A few notable mentions from a tough 2 days on the links, Capt Craig McGovern played his last fixture as a serving member of RAGS and did extremely well in gaining 2 half points in matches against service level golfers. Also, WO2 Bruce McAulay won all 4 of his matches. This is a fantastic achievement and great example to our more junior team members. I can confirm that his golf was exceptional throughout – Well done Bruce!
The match dinner returned to the Royal St. George’s clubhouse and this was a fitting way for both teams to celebrate and reflect upon our unique fixture. The catering was superb and it is hoped that future dinners will remain in that setting.
The 113th Gunner vs Sapper will be played on 25-26 Sep 19.

Captain Jack Musgrove RA

Gunner Captain