Halford Hewitt champs Watsonian march on

DEFENDING champions Watsonian were one of four Scottish sides to negotiate their first-round matches in the Halford Hewitt, the prestigious annual tournament for school FPs.

While Edinburgh Academy and Loretto both fell at the opening hurdle, Fettes, Glenalmond and Merchiston also progressed to the last 32 in Kent.

Watsonian, bidding to win the event for a sixth time, opened with a 3½-1½ win over Ampleforth, though the tussle at Royal Cinque Ports was closer than the scoreline suggests. Indeed, Andrew Helm and David Crummey recovered from being four down after just five holes to secure a valuable half, while Scott James and Jamie Kennedy were all square after 11 before producing a late burst to win their match.

Angus Montgomery and Alan Williams, the two changes from last year’s triumphant side, joined forces to win 5 and 4 at the top of the order, while Richard Johnston and Martin Hopley also secured their point relatively comfortably.

Cranleigh are next up for Watson’s, with a likely last-16 clash against Clifton, the 2010 winners, this afternoon.

Fettes crushed Forest 5-0, Glenalmond won 4½-½ against Brighton, the same score Merchiston recorded in their win over Gresham’s. Edinburgh Academy and Loretto both lost 4-1, to Whitgift and Tonbridge.