Marstons Trophy Winners 1996

Corhampton GC Over 50’s team competition winners 25th anniversary

Marstons Trophy Winners 1996 – Corhampton

Our team was :- Harry Spooner, Brian James,Geoff Palmer, Bill Barter, Barry Searle, Ian Borrow, Geoff Staley, Dave Davis, Pete Markwick

Marstons Trophy

Photos from Barry Butler’s photo collection

It was 25 years ago since Corhampton G. C. won this competition for the only time so far. Now called the Gales Over 50’s. In those days, it was The Marstons, widely regarded as the most difficult competition to win.

Led by our playing captain and organiser Harry Spooner the teams battled through many tough rounds throughout the summer until finally reaching the final. Our opponents were Hockley G C, multiple winners, their team contained ex County players and were red hot favourites to win again. The match was to be played at Tidworth Garrison G C.

The coach was waiting in the car park early on the final day. Players and supporters led by The Captain Barry Butler who was too young to play in the team, all piled on board. We arrived in plenty of time and we managed to take in the atmosphere and loosen up ready for off. The course was in lovely condition and the weather was good. 

The match itself was a real nail biter with little old Corhampton winning by 5 matches to 4 in the end.

The sponsors Marstons paid for everything, food and drink for both players and supporters the whole day. You can just imagine what that coach was like on the way home. For me, it was a day to remember forever.

Our team was :- Harry Spooner, Brian James, Geoff Palmer, Bill Barter, Barry Searle, Ian Borrow, Geoff Staley, Dave Davis, Pete Markwick.

Sadly, Barry and Bill are no longer with us, but will never be forgotten.

Finally, on behalf of those old teamates, may we wish all future teams good luck in this competition and bring the trophy back to Corhampton soon.

Geoff Palmer.