Men’s Pennant 2021 – Round 6: 11 April – versus Cheltenham GC at Berwick-Montuna Golf Club
After the Easter break, with ideal weather conditions, the resumption of the pennant season was marked by very wintery conditions at Berwick – Montuna Golf Club. The committee had recently implemented winter rules, which helped after plenty of rain in the days leading up to Sunday. As reported after round #5 this was a must-win match – with potential relegation at stake.
Our team, with some changes to the line-up and playing order, was ready to face Cheltenham on a shortish, but tricky layout – in cold, wet and windy conditions.
All the planning and preparation was rewarded with a great result – a 7 – 0 victory. The win also secured our position for next season, where we can again look at what is required to move up the table and challenge for a promotion spot. In each division the top two teams move up and the bottom two teams move down a division.
It was great to see the tight matches going our way, with a few of the boys coming from behind to secure their victories.
Dale Edwards was back in the line-up for this round and showed that he had used his school holidays to sharpen his game in readiness for the final two matches of the season. He also came with a plan, leaving the driver in the bag, and leveraged his accuracy and consistent ball striking. His strong 4 & 3 win was a fitting reward for his efforts this season – whether playing or caddying.
Second man out was Andrew Roberts who despite some solid matches this season has been involved in some very close matches. This was another close match but Andrew was able to maintain control to record a satisfying 2 & 1 win.
Two wins on the board was a great start – just 2 more needed to secure the match.
Shane Densley, fresh off an excellent win last round and some practice over the Easter holidays had his game face on early and was in a good position right out of the blocks. Despite a couple of little hiccups, including an unplanned visit into the water (sorry Red Penalty Area) on B-M’s signature 10th hole, he was able to build on his lead to take his match 5 & 4.
Playing at # 4 this round, due to some fine-tuning at the top of the order, Paul Thompson got out to an early lead with some steady play. The match was all square at the turn, but found himself 2-down playing the sole par 5, 12th hole. This turned out to be a pivotal hole. Paul won that hole, thanks to his short game, then rattled off wins on the next 4 holes to secure a 3 & 2 victory.
The selection team made some changes to the top part of the order – a gutsy move that paid off handsomely with 3 / 3 wins.
Russell Hughes at # 3 and Brenton Derix at # 2 both had tight matches before each recording 1 – up wins. As it turned out they were the first 2 members of the team to face the quirky, and very steep, par 3 final hole.
Playing at # 1 was Jeremy Derix who relished the opportunity. In another tight match his determination was obvious to all who watched him over the last few holes. While our match had been secured there was no way that Jeremy was going to walk off without a win. His nerveless up and down on the last secured a memorable victory – 1 up and the team’s 7 – 0 scorecard.
Thanks to the caddies and Barbara who braved the wintery conditions to support the team. Seeing the entire Gardiners Run crew surrounding the 18th hole and watching Jeremy knock in that final putt was one of the season’s highlights.
Next Match: Sunday 18 April – 11:15 am at Settlers Run Golf Club versus Keysborough GC.
Colt’s Pennant 2021 – Round 6 – versus Rosanna GC at Eastern Golf Club
The Colts team were just a few km’s down the road at Eastern Golf Club, where the conditions were even worse than those faced by the men’s team in the afternoon. At 7:45 on a cold, wet and windy day is not something the boys would have planned for when preparing for the season in mid-summer!
Team manager, Rob Scholz, decided to mix up the playing order after a couple of tough rounds. This turned out to be an inspired piece of team management and the boys were not daunted by the conditions, nor their opposition to record a strong 4 – 1 victory. Their first win for the season, and a much-needed confidence boost.
Nathan Lester was the first to head out onto the course and gave the team a great start with an impressive 6 & 5 win.
The quietly spoken Jordan Irish, was next out and kept up the momentum with his first even pennant match win. His impressive 6 & 5 victory was a most memorable way to record his maiden win.
Charlie Lawson at # 3 this round really came to play and had a great confidence boosting win – 2 & 1. Charlie is another multi-talented team member, with his footy season just ahead.
Up next was Dan Scholz, fresh off a big cricket season. With 2 holes to play he was 1 down, but a birdie on the 17th gave him an opportunity to secure at least a half point. To his great credit he won the 18th to record a stirring 1 – up victory.
Dan’s great mate, Charley Smith was the last out. Unfortunately, he never really got into his match and lost 5 & 4.
Thanks to those who managed to get out to support the team. They are playing in a very strong division but will have learned a lot from the experience. Barbara was again on hand to support the team before heading up to Berwick for the afternoon’s action.
Next week they face the second top team, Keysborough, at Patterson River. It is a bit of a drive down Eastlink, but any support would be appreciated by the boys.
Next Match: Sunday 18 April – 8:20 am at Patterson River Golf Club versus Keysborough GC
Ray Seddon
Golf Captain
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