The victorious Loretto team For the second year running the final day belonged to Loretto although it was not a foregone conclusion by any means as they were run close by both Haileybury in the semi-final and again by Tonbridge in the final with games going into extra holes in both matches before the outcome was decided. Both semi-finals were closely contested. Tonbridge eventually overcame Radley 3 1/2 – 1 1/2 in a match where they slowly turned the screw round the
Saturday is when the tournament takes shape. All the action moves to Deal, which is the spiritual home of the Hewitt and as the field is whittled down the event matures from an exhausting social whirl into a more intimate affair. At the same time, the pressure begins to mount. The weather for the day was bright and chilly with only a gentle breeze. The morning matches were completed without any major shocks. The Charterhouse vs Malvern match was always going to
Friday was a much calmer day in terms of weather with a (comparatively) light zephyr blowing from the North. This meant that the temperature fell considerably but I think most of the competitors regarded that as a price worth paying for the drop in wind speed. I spent the day at Deal where 4 players achieved the notable milestone of having played 100 matches for their school. They were, Harry Thomson (Merchiston), Andrew Helm (Watson’s), Martin Hayes (Whitgift) and Richard Smith
The day dawned bright and relatively calm as Watson’s struck the opening tee-shot of the 2022 Hewitt. However any experienced Hewitteer will be able to confirm that these are often dangerous signs and the weather forecast was promising the delights of a 45 mph breeze later in the day. This forecast proved to be remarkably accurate and conditions in the middle of the day were testing to say the least. Out by the hut at Sandwich froth was being blown
Entry details for this year’s Peter Kenyon Bowl have been published and are available via this link.
Arrangements for practice and the Wednesday times have now been published and can be found here.
Tuesday practice times are now available to book on a first-come first-served basis. Bookings can only be made via the Hon Secretary. In order to ensure that all schools get a fair chance of booking Tuesday times, initially only two times may be booked by any school. A Reserve List will operate for schools requesting more than two times. Tuesday Booking Sheet
Wednesday 12th January and the draw is now complete. The outstanding tie of the first round will be Eton against Charterhouse at Sandwich early on Thursday morning. Eton have the stronger recent record but Charterhouse are always tough to beat. The third quarter is by far the hardest of the four, containing the holders Loretto, as well as Eton, Charterhouse, Malvern and Ampleforth. On their form from last September, Loretto will fear no one but they may benefit here from the
Wednesday 12th January at 16:35: – The President and Committee are at the East India Club preparing for the 2022 AGM and draw, meanwhile I have tested positive for Covid and am sitting in inglorious self-isolation wondering if all is going according to plan. This is marginally more stressful than losing at the 20th in the 1982 Final….and I have just poured myself some of the twilight wine of Scotland in order to maintain morale. I will be following the event
The Notice of Meeting for the 2022 AGM and Draw can be found via this link https://www.halfordhewitt.org/2022-agm-draw-notice-of-meeting/ For anyone who is unable to attend in person or who feel apprehensive about attending during the current Covid situation, the proceedings can be followed via Zoom. Details are available on the attached link https://www.halfordhewitt.org/2022-agm-draw-option-to-attend-via-zoom/
