Golf in Sussex
Defending champions triumph again - 13th July 2009
The William Parker Sports College from Sussex successfully def
ended the English Schools Team Championship at Thetford.
In perfect conditions, The William Parker trio finished with 81 Stableford points, five better than runners-up Matthew Arnold School from Oxfordshire and Wymondham College from Norfolk, Matthew Arnold taking second place on the better discarded score.
William Parker, with two of last year's successful team when they won with 74 at Penn, in action, were indebted to David Wicks, who scored 43 points off a handicap of four. He was backed by 38 from seven handicapper James Mitchell, the new addition to the team this time.
Fifteen-year-old Wicks' performance was outstanding as he started with a double-bogey and a bogey to be three over par after five holes. But it was plain sailing after that with nine birdies on his card.
Wicks' 43 was easily the best score of the day, a gross 69 over the par 72 Norfolk course. Danny Williams from Wymondham College signed for 40 points, while Dan Croad from Matthew Arnold was one of three players to return 39.
The Matthew Arnold trio (picture © Tom Ward) were all in good form, Croad being supported by Jamie Smith with 37, while their non-scorer was Jakes Dines with 36.
Meanwhile, Wymondham were also aided by Emily Anthony, who supplied their second score of 36 points off 18. She was one of eight girls taking part.
The William Parker second team also did well, finishing with 74 points for sixth place.
David Wicks and Stephens Gibbs played at the 1st International Junior Golf Tournament in Malta in October 2008. The event was sponsored by Business Meetings Malta The Free Conference Venue Finding Company. David and Stephen intend to play at the same golf event in Malta again later this year.