The much heralded golf tournament between the Old Boys of Mfantsipim School(MOBA) and Adisadel College (SANTA) came off at the Tema Country Golf Club last Saturday, 19th April 2014, with Adisco Boys suffering an embarrassing defeat from their Kwabotwe counterparts, 9 points to 7 points.

The epic encounter which was ably sponsored by Metropolitan Insurance, MOBUS Properties, Inter-Health Consultancy, Formal Décor, Coca Cola and GGBL was set in the serene surroundings of Tema Golf and Country Club. Formal Décor the renowned interior decorator set the tone for the game by adorning the Club House with the colors of the two schools. Perhaps in sync with the Easter theme, The Black and Red for Mfantsipim signified the crucifixion whiles the Black and White of Adisadel indicated the resurrection.

The two sides were represented by captains of industry and stalwarts in Golf in a Match Play format. Whiles the MOBA Team was led by CDS Vice Admiral M. Quashie, the Adisco side was captained by Charles Stanley-Pierre.

On the field of play, Sir Sam Jonah (Adisco) disposed of Vice Admiral M Quashie(Moba) 2 and 1, whiles Mike Aggrey(Moba) dismissed Albert Brock(Adisco) 4 and 2. Kofi Amoabeng(Adisco) sorted out Frank Tackie(Moba) and Prof. George Intsiful(Adisco) immediate past GGA President shocked Charles Sekyere(Moba), Vice-Captain of Celebrity Golf Club. Other notable upsets were Martin Osei(Moba) overcoming David Atuwo(Adisco). and Maj. (RTD) John Nyen(Adisco) dealing with Chief John Asafu-Adjei(Moba) on the 18th hole.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was Adisco’s new found sensation Dr. Alifo who silenced fire brand John Fiam-Coblavie of MOBA and stable mates Michael Parker (Moba) sending Robby Tandoh(Adisco) to the dog house.

Noel Hammond the host captain of Tema and a member of the MOBA team beat A. Benson of Adisco 2 and 1, and the battle of the oldies went in favour of Safo-Debrah of MOBA against Peter Ocran of Adisco, who was rioted 9 and 8.

Competing for the “Jonah Cup”, the games dubbed the SANTAMOBA event, was awash with excitement, thrills and threats. The pre match promises went virile on air and the day proved as eventful as planned. In the end, The Kwabotwe boys carried the day with an emphatic 9 – 7 scovelive.

In the auxiliary segment, Kofi Amoabeng President of Tafo Golf Club and CEO of the UT Group won the Longest Drive on hole 18. His prize of a case of Canned Tuna was donated by Benjy Cudjoe.

The nearest to the Pin prize of a Box of Golf balls, which was donated by Mike Aggrey, Vice President of the GGA and CEO of Tricorn Auto Trading , went to Mordecai Quarshie of Celebrity and Team MOBA.

In handing over the trophy to the MOBA Captain, Vice Admiral M. Quashie, The President of GGA Dr. Felix Frimpong who was special Guest of Honour, commented that what the two schools had initiated was at the heart of the GGA’s own plans of bringing the Golf Game to the grassroots and to the schools.

He said “Everyone’s school Field is a driving range, so if we assist the schools with equipment they can easily start Golf Lessons by themselves.” Sir Sam Jonah who donated the “Jonah Cup” also lamented the loss of our core values in the society and suggested that imbibing golf will instill the tenets of integrity honesty and uprightness in our country.

Also present to lend support for the tournament were former School Prefect of Mfantsipim Dr. J. A. M. Cobbah of GIMPA, Mr. Philip Addison of Pink Sheets fame, and Mr. Ram Bhavnani an Agricultral Consultant.

The Tournament ended with a lot of fanfare and merry making portraying that in spite of the century old rivalry, a good cause was achieved by staging the tournament.

Another plus to the event was the close friendship between the two sides indeed it was not all hostilities, as the sponsors of the score cards – Inter Health Consultancy Ltd, is a collaboration between a Santaclausian and a MOBA.

In the meantime, other schools have started looking at emulating the lead that the two Cape-Coast Schools have taken. Accra Academy and Presbyterian Boys are looking at raising a formidable team for the Accra side; Whiles Achimota is looking at a mixed school twist to the event. Also in the Ashanti Region, Prempeh Old Boys are looking to lock horns with Opoku Ware Old Students.

A spokesperson for the tournament indicated that the stage has been set for an inter colleges type of Golf Tournament in future.