Simpson Cup team fight back for half against Kooyonga

Report by Geoff Attenborough
(Team Manager)

On a cool and overcast Sunday afternoon, Glenelg’s Simpson Cup team had a titanic battle with Kooyonga, finally finishing the contest 3.5 matches each at Flagstaff Hill Golf Club.

All players from both teams played some excellent golf with most finishing their matches with par golf or better – great golf on a neutral course.

We started the day with regular number seven, Andrew Gryzbowski, getting off to a poor start losing the first two holes and not seeming to be playing well.  Andrew, with his vast experience, soon had his game back in order and after nine holes he was back to square. On the back nine, he won four of the next five holes to eventually win his match 4/3. It is so good to have such a reliable player as Andrew to lead us out as he will win nine times out  of ten.

Josh Hayes was next to play at number six. After winning his first three matches this season, Josh ran into someone simply too good on the day.  If Josh made a par, his opponent would roll in a birdie, and just kept up the pressure all day.  It is all a learning experience for our young gun and I am sure he will bounce back next match.

Our number five, Anthony Olsen, had a tough match, but one he feels just escaped him. After being up for most of the day and having a three foot putt to win 2/1 on the 17th hole, Anthony just missed the difficult putt to extend his match to the 18th with a one hole lead.  Unfortunately, the match finished with a half, with Anthony losing this hole. He was very disappointed but I am sure he will regroup for our next match.

Matt Overall at number four also had a tough match against an experienced Kooyonga opponent and lost 3/1. Considering Matt was one under par for his 17 holes, he did feel unlucky not to have at least a halved match.

Matt McGowan, at three, again just went about his business with minimum of fuss and got the job done winning 2up. On his day there are not better ball strikers in this team and he is now in the form that won him last years’ Club Championship.

Lachlan Booth, at number two, was only just out played by a current state player who only got the upper hand in the last five holes to eventually beat Lachlan 3/2. This was a high quality match with some outstanding recovery shots from both players. As much as Lachlan will be disappointed with the loss, he is playing great golf and gaining valuable experience playing against the best.

Our number one, Campbell Rawson, had a great battle against his opponent, being square for almost the whole match. After being two holes up through six, which was the biggest lead of the match, Campbell’s opponent fought back to be square after eleven holes .The score stayed the same until the par five 18th hole, when his opponent put his tee shot in the trees after Campbell had hit the perfect tee shot long and to the right side of the fairway. His opposite number tried a career shot that failed to come off giving our team the advantage. Campbell calmly made his par to win the hole and give us the valuable halved match.

Thanks again to all supporters who came to watch. I am sure they would have been impressed with the demeanour and attitude of our players whether winning or losing.

Results

Glenelg (3.5) halved with Kooyonga (3.5)

(1) Campbell Rawson def. Will Somerfield 1up
(2) Lachlan Booth lost to Tim Baker 3/2
(3) Matt McGowan def. Heath Riches 2up
(4) Matt Overall lost to Daniel Spiers 3/1
(5) Anthony Olsen & John Hayes halved
(6) Josh Hayes lost to Zac Fuller 4/3
(7) Andrew Grzybowski def. Jordan Bishop 4/3

Table after Round 4

To view full results from Simpson Cup round 4, click here.