Backing up a great performance is often a tough thing to do in team sport but the Division 2 lads were confident and motivated to do just that as we hosted ‘top-of-the-table’ Otaki. Early morning heavy rain led to some doubt as to whether the fixture would go ahead but as the rain eased and the puddles on the greens receded, we were good to go. Our green keepers are keeping our course in such good condition so a big shout out to them for their efforts.
Conrad Shanly and Geoff Masters got things started for us again and despite a last-minute dash home for his trundler (how he thought carts would be in use with all that rain is beyond me), Geoff went about putting pressure on his opponent early. He and Conrad worked well together as a fourball pairing to be in control of that match for most of the round. Conrad’s singles match was a tight affair but Geoff would get the job done and shake hands on the 15th green for the second week in a row. Another good 4/3 win Geoff. The four-ball would be wrapped up on the next hole with a solid 3/2 win but Conrad’s match would go to the 18th. The final “all square” result was a reflection of the battle throughout the match and we were certainly happy to take 2.5 points from the first group out.
John Ryan and Nathan Frew were the next group out and they were keen to take all three points like they did in the previous match. Unfortunately, this would not be possible as disaster struck on the first hole. In the process of hitting his second shot, JR would crumble to the ground in pain with a back injury. Struggling to walk or even stand, he would battle on to finish the hole despite strong advice not to do so. His desire to push on for the team was admirable but he soon realised it was not going to be possible for him to continue. The whole team wishes you a quick recovery mate!
Nathan would continue on by himself and he took early control of his singles match despite an equipment malfunction on the third hole when his 5 iron snapped at the grip mid-swing. So now he was a playing partner and a club short for the remainder of the round! A great up-and-down par save on the 7th had him three up in his singles and one up in the four ball. He would go on to record a 5/3 singles win but could only keep the four ball alive to the 17th, losing 2/1.
Warming up on the putting green, Gavin Harris overheard one of the Otaki players having a whinge about the makeup of our team and he thought to himself “I hope I don’t have to play that guy”. Well guess what? He did! He teamed up with George Deans and did a good job of keeping his cool throughout the round despite the ongoing negativity from his opponent. His match was tight throughout but when he took a one up lead to the 18th, smart and mistake-free golf would secure him a solid two-up win. George was also in a tight match but he finished in strong fashion to build a lead and complete his 3/1 victory on the 17th green. They would secure the four ball point by the same margin at the same time. Nice!
The results from our next pairing of Simon Dew and Jason Paku had many of us feeling a bit confused. When a pairing loses their four ball 6/5, it would be fair to say that getting two singles wins would be very unlikely but that is what played out. Dew started off poorly and fell behind, being two down as he played the 7th. However, he found his rhythm throughout the back nine to erase the deficit and once he got his nose in front he continued to apply the pressure to close the match out on the 16th green with a great come-from-behind 3/2 win. Jason was behind for the vast majority of his match. When he was still two down with three to play, it was going to take something special to get the job done but Jason provided. He would win the 16th and 17th holes to get the match back to all square as they headed to the 18th. His opponent was visibly frustrated which was encouraging. When both players found themselves on the fringe on the downslope at the back of the 18th for three, all three results were a possibility. Loving a crowd, Jason would be the first to play his chip. It looked handy and I am sure the verbal encouragement from onlookers helped that ball take one more roll as it crept into the hole! What a shot! Jason’s opponent didn’t come close to producing the same and the force with which he proceeded to throw his club at his bag should have left it in the same state as Nathan’s previously mentioned 5 iron! Great win Jason!
Peter Jackson is back in form! He played very well throughout the day as he teamed up with Brent Mackenzie in the final group. Brent was also playing well against a very good opponent. As I watched this group play the 15th, Jacko seemed a little confused when his opponent offered a handshake. Yes Jacko, you just won your match 4/3. Your playing form may have returned but there is certainly room for improvement in terms of keeping track of your match status!
At the same point, Brent was two up and the four-ball match was at the same margin in our favour. There was great hope that all three points could be banked here to finish off another great day for the team. Unfortunately, the tide turned and both matches would go to the 18th but we were still one up in both. Jacko’s tee shot found the pine tree and Brent’s the rough on the far side of the 7th. Brent’s second found the putting surface but it was the practice green rather than the 18th. With Jacko not being able to recover to make the green in regulation, the pressure was on Brent as his opponent had given himself a 10-foot look at birdie. After being clutch in these tight matches on a number of occasions, Brent was unable to deliver this time. Losing the hole but still recording halves in both his singles and the four-ball match. While this took a bit of the shine off the day, a 10.5 – 4.5 team win against a strong team was definitely worth celebrating. The two for $6 dollar deal for selected beverages at the bar helped matters as well!
Another great effort fellas! We are now in a three-way tie for third and just five points back from the leaders, Otaki and Shandon. Playing Judgeford at Judgeford in two weeks’ time is going to be pivotal with regard to how we go on to finish our season. Clear your calendars now if possible. High levels of availability makes all the difference when it comes to the strength of all three of our 18-hole teams.
Nathan Frew