Underdogs NEGC taste victory after seven-year wait

121st Burdett Trophy

By Shamseer Jaleel

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC), Burdett Trophy winners

In a thrilling conclusion to the 121st Burdett Trophy, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) celebrated a momentous victory, reclaiming the coveted Burdett Cup after a seven-year wait. In an intense contest that saw the underdogs prevail, NEGC narrowly edged out the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) by a tender margin of 6 1/2 to 5 1/2.

This year’s tournament, hosted at the picturesque NEGC, was notable not only for its fiercely contested matches but also for the dramatic return of the home team to the winner’s circle. The competition, which has a storied history dating back over a century, lived up to its prestigious reputation, providing spectators with a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship.

Kushal Johnpillai led the winning NEGC team, while Amrith De Soysa skippered the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC).

The Burdett Trophy featured a series of singles and foursomes matches. A pivotal moment for NEGC came in the Burdett Singles, where Kushal Johnpillai himself secured a critical victory over RCGC’s Reshan Algama, winning 4/3. This match was a significant boost for NEGC, setting the tone for their eventual triumph.

In the Burdett Singles, debut maker Jacob Norton (NEGC) stamped his class when he beat much-fancied Rajeev Rajapaksha (RCGC).  In another crucial match, the NEGC pairing of Suhayb Sangani and Armand Flamer Caldera delivered a decisive 2/1 victory in the Burdett Foursomes. This win was one of the highlights of the day and played a major role in NEGC’s overall success.

The Burdett Trophy, one of the oldest golfing competitions in Sri Lanka, has seen many memorable moments throughout its history. NEGC’s victory this year adds another chapter to its legacy. The triumph of NEGC, considered the underdog, highlights the unpredictable and exciting nature of the sport, where determination and teamwork can turn the tables against the odds.

Summary of results
1. Burdett Singles

RCGC 4 ½
NEGC 3 ½

2. Burdett Foursomes

NEGC 3
RCGC 1

3. Overall Score

NEGC 6.5
RCGC 5.5

4. 125th Anniversary

NEGC 11.5
RCGC 3.5

5. Puffin Cup

RCGC 6.5
NEGC 1.5

6. Masters

RCGC 4
NEGC Nil