Erratics v Narwhals – 2nd July 2026

The Erratics v The Narwhals

Venue: Royal Portcawl

2nd July 2026

 

The Narwhals travelled south to Royal Porthcawl for the bi-annual fixture against our friends
from the Erratics, returning once again to one of Britain's finest championship links. A
practice round the day before the match in breezy conditions provided the Narwhals with an
excellent opportunity to learn where to hit the ball and, perhaps more importantly, where not
to hit it.

Captain Richard Bolger led out the Narwhals alongside Jamie Hughes in the opening match
and they made the ideal start, securing the first point of the day with a victory over Erratics
Captain Guy Bates and Mat Sant. Mark Jones and Richard Stockdale were narrowly beaten in
the second match before Josh Roberts and Alex Cliffe quickly restored parity with another
victory. Arthur Jones and Martin Jones then battled hard to earn a valuable half against Angus
Maclean and Jonathan Davies. The Erratics, however, demonstrated why they have long been
such formidable opponents. Successes in the remaining two matches allowed them to edge
the morning session by 3½ points to 2½, leaving everything to play for after lunch.

As is customary at Royal Porthcawl, an excellent lunch provided the opportunity to reflect on
the mornings play and recharge the batteries. Some players appeared to recharge rather more
enthusiastically than others with the afternoon session suggesting that, for some, moderation
may have been a wiser strategy.

The afternoon session proved just as competitive as the morning, with both sides continuing
to trade points. Captain Richard Bolger and Mark Jones were beaten in the opening match
before Josh Roberts and Richard Stockdale levelled matters with a win. Jamie Hughes and
Arthur Jones then came up against a strong Erratics pairing, but Alex Cliffe and Guto Lewis
replied with another Narwhal point. Richard Fisher and Martin Jones added a third victory of
the afternoon, while George Smith and Ray Ledsham were beaten in the final match, leaving
the afternoon honours shared at three points apiece.

Unfortunately, the slender morning deficit ultimately proved decisive. Despite sharing the
afternoon session, the Erratics held on to their narrow advantage to claim the fixture 6½–5½,
in a contest that could easily have gone the other way, with several matches remaining closely
contested throughout the day. The inclusion of Royal Porthcawl Head Professional Peter
Evans also proved influential, contributing two points for the Erratics and halting some of the
Narwhals big guns.

As always, the result told only part of the story. Matches were played in exactly the spirit we
have come to expect between these two societies: fiercely competitive, yet full of good
humour, sportsmanship and friendship. Royal Porthcawl once again proved a magnificent
host, providing a fitting stage for another memorable day's golf.

During the post-match dinner, Captain Richard Bolger offered his congratulations to the
Erratics on their victory and thanked Royal Porthcawl Golf Club for its hospitality throughout
the day. He concluded by proposing a toast to the continued friendship between the two
societies.

Result: Erratics 6½ – 5½ Narwhals

Match Manager: Alex Cliffe