South East Schools Championship

The 2025 South East Schools Championships were held at Cainhoe Wood GC, Bedfordshire, who generously offered to host the event at late notice after a late change in venue and host County.  The Championships had to be reduced to 27 holes due to a one tee start but produced some close finishes in dry, but windy, and challenging conditions. 

In the morning Tommy Carr (Essex) held a narrow lead in the Boys Championship on 76, followed by Liam Caffyn (Norfolk) 77, Dillon Basi (Bedfordshire) 78 and Rhys Hatcher (Essex) 79.  However Dillon Basi (Lincroft Academy and Bedfordshire GC) managed to snatch the title shooting 35 over the closing 9 holes to win on 113 from Tommy Carr 115 and Rhys Hatcher 117 on countback.  This was Dillon’s last appearance for Bedfordshire Schools and a fitting end to his efforts as he has twice come close in Regional and National Championships leading into the 35th hole, but coming up just short.  He now progresses forward to Woodhall Spa to play in the English Schools National Championship later this month in the South East Schools Team.  He is joined by Vikram Singh (Kimberley College and Bedfordshire GC) who also had a strong afternoon closing 9 holes shooting 38 (124).

Bedfordshire Golf Union claimed a second Champion in Ixie Akpan (John O’Gaunt GC) although she goes to school in Hertfordshire.  In the Girls Championship Amelie Stewart (Hertfordshire) led her team mates on 78 after 18 holes with  Ava Gadsby and Ixie Akpan  (both Hertfordshire)  on 80 .  Amanda Ellis (Bedfordshire) 81, Tala Clarke (Hertfordshire) 83 and Lilia Copeman (Norfolk) 84 were also in contention.  Matters changed dramatically over the closing 9 holes in the afternoon with Ixie Akpan winning overall with a closing 39 (119) followed by a 3 way tie on 120 between Lilia Copeman (36), Tala Clarke (37) and Amelie Stewart (42).  Lilia therefore came from behind to gain the runner up prize. 

Ixie unfortunately is unable to take up her selection for the SE Team at Woodhall Spa as she has an exam clash, but Amanda Ellis (Etonbury Academy and Cainhoe Wood GC) was selected in her place having had an impressive opening 81 to be just 3 shots from the lead and finishing 5th overall.

Special thanks to Cainhoe Wood GC who stepped in to offer a venue at late notice when another host county GC had to withdraw.  The hospitality and support was excellent and much appreciated by ESGA and all participants.

Dave Sweetnam

Bedfordshire Schools Secretary

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