The City team claimed the Colin Rosser Cup after a nail-biting 6–5 victory over the County team in the inaugural Oxfordshire Golf Challenge, held at Frilford Heath Golf Club on Monday 28th September.
Forty-two golfers took part in the first City versus County contest on a beautiful day at Frilford Heath, with the City team captained by Justin Merritt of Oxford City FC and the County team led by Ben Procter of Oxford Property Consulting.
With 11 matches taking place across the course, there was little to separate the two sides throughout the day. But when the final scores were counted, City had edged an incredibly close contest 6–5, becoming the first winners of the Colin Rosser Cup.
The Challenge was also held to raise funds for Raise, B4’s charitable fundraising initiative supporting organisations across Oxfordshire, with sponsorship, the raffle and other fundraising activity generating more than £1,500 for Raise.
Individual honours
It was an especially successful day for Paul Robinson of Oxford City Football Club, who was named the day’s Best Player as well as winning the Longest Drive competition.
Darren Fuller of Planet Recruitment took the honours for Nearest the Pin.
The day concluded with the presentation of the Colin Rosser Cup to City captain Justin Merritt and his victorious team, securing the bragging rights for City until the two sides meet again in 2027.
A huge team effort
The inaugural Oxfordshire Golf Challenge would not have been possible without the support of the many organisations and individuals who helped bring the event together.
Particular thanks go to Wise Investment, sponsors of the Oxfordshire Golf Challenge, and Aston & James, who supplied the City, County and Raise team kit.
Thanks also go to The Oxford Engraver for the trophies and to everyone who donated raffle prizes, provided sponsorship or supported the fundraising activities throughout the day.
The team at Frilford Heath played a huge part in making the inaugural Challenge such an enjoyable occasion. Special thanks go to Russell Stebbings, Managing Director of Frilford Heath Golf Club; James Bowler-Clark, Golf & Operations Executive; Sophie and the catering team for the excellent refreshments throughout the day; Rande, who looked after everyone at the Halfway House; and the greenkeeping and maintenance teams for ensuring the course was in such excellent condition. Thanks also to the Raise beneficiary charity representatives who added colour, warmth and support throughout the day!
Russell Stebbings commented:
“It was fantastic to host the inaugural Oxfordshire Golf Challenge and to see the City and County teams competing in such a close contest while raising funds for Raise. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s Challenge – and seeing whether County can take the Colin Rosser Cup back from City!”
More than just the golf
The Oxfordshire Golf Challenge was created to bring people from across Oxfordshire together through sport, friendly rivalry and fundraising.
From breakfast and the pre-tournament team photographs through to the shotgun start, 18 holes of competition and the final presentation, the inaugural event brought together businesses and individuals from across the county – wearing City blue, County green and Raise red.
While City and County were battling for the Colin Rosser Cup, the wider purpose of the day was to support Raise and the work it does to help charities and good causes across Oxfordshire.
The response from those taking part suggests the first Challenge has laid strong foundations for what can become an annual fixture in the Oxfordshire calendar.
What the players said
Nathan Brenninkmeyer, Director of Digital at h2o creative communications, represented the County team and said:
“Brilliant day, brilliant team, brilliant clobber (lovely little touches with the flags too!) and brilliant group of people 👏 As a County player – shame about the result, but always next year!”
Tim Grier, Managing Director of Oxfordshire Business Consultancy Limited, added:
“Without question it was the best organised, most enjoyable and most fun charity golf day I have ever been to.
“You continue to excel yourselves and give so much to those around you and I certainly do appreciate all you do.”
Sally Adams, Frilford Heath Golf Club, added:
“Thank you for organising a great day Richard – well done!”
David Burrell, Financial Planner at Wise Investment, is already looking ahead to another attempt in 2027:
“Thank you to you and the whole team for a really lovely and well organised day.
“Looking forward to 2027’s edition already – though I strongly feel I need some lessons in the interim, lol.”
And Phil Lewis, General Manager of The Randolph Hotel, summed up his experience simply:
“Thanks a million for yesterday Richard, terrific day. Much appreciated.”
Roll on 2027
Following the success of the inaugural event, thoughts are already turning towards the 2027 Oxfordshire Golf Challenge.
The ambition is to build on the foundations of year one while retaining the ingredients that made the inaugural event so enjoyable: friendly City versus County rivalry, great golf, a strong sense of team, plenty of fun and, importantly, the opportunity to generate further funds and awareness for Raise.
County will, of course, arrive in 2027 with unfinished business and the determination to wrestle the Colin Rosser Cup away from its first holders.
For the next 12 months, however, the bragging rights belong firmly to City. Contact richard@b4-business.com to register your interest.
CITY 6 – COUNTY 5
Congratulations to Justin Merritt and the City team – the inaugural winners of the Colin Rosser Cup.
Click the link below to view more photographs from the inaugural Oxfordshire Golf Challenge.
