Simpson Cup boys get off to first round flyer

Report by Geoff Attenborough
Team Manager

Glenelg’s Simpson Cup team started the Pennant season with a solid 5.5-1.5 win against danger team Tea Tree Gully at beautifully presented Kooyonga Golf Club on Sunday..

Our first match out at no 7 had seasoned match player Ben Hallam having a tough battle against a determined opponent. Ben had a two hole advantage after 12 holes and looked to gain the advantage only to lose the next two holes and be square after 14 holes. Playing the 16th and 17th holes, Ben with his length off the tee, out drove his opponent by around 80 metres gaining a huge advantage. Winning both holes, Ben closed his match out winning 2/1.

Next to play at no 6 was outstanding junior Jackson Kalz, playing his debut Simpson Cup match for the Club. He did not let some initial nerves affect him and went about his business in a no fuss manner gaining a four hole advantage after seven holes. Jackson continued on and was five holes up after eleven eventually winning 6/5. A great start from a quality player and the future of Glenelg.

At no 5, team captain Anthony Olsen continued his form from last season with another solid win. After gaining a quick advantage to 3 up after four holes, Anthony exerted his influence over his Tea Tree Gully opponent to be five holes up after eleven. He eventually closed out his match winning 5/4.

Josh Hayes at no 4 was solid all match applying pressure and making few errors winning his match 6/4. To be 3 up after eight, then getting out to be 4 up after twelve holes, Josh had his foot on his opponents throat. Winning the next two holes gave Josh his well deserved win .

Ben Layton at no 3 was another outstanding junior making his Simpson Cup debut and he did not let us down with a strong 5/3 win. After gaining a quick lead to be 2 up after four holes, this lead was lost to be square after seven. Ben regained the advantage to be 1 up at the 11th. Being under some pressure, Ben showed his class to win the next four holes to win 5/4.

Current SA Amateur Champion, Lachlan Barker at no 2 had an intense battle against tough Tea Tree Gully opponent Sam Burton. There was virtually no advantage had by either player early in this match and after eleven holes it was all square. Lachlan gained a two hole advantage after 16 and looked likely to finish with a win. Not to be outdone, Sam birdied the last two holes, which Lachlan could not equal, and the match finished all square. Probably a fair result in the end.

Sam Earl at no 1, another player representing Glenelg for the first time after coming from The Vines, had a tough battle against the Gully’s Chris Austin, arguably the toughest match player at Simpson Cup level. Sam was under pressure early being 3 down after seven holes. Sam, to his credit, worked hard to be square after eleven holes but unfortunately could not keep the momentum going eventually going down 3/2.

This was the perfect start for the team but the players are taking a week to week attitude as every team is a challenge at this level.

Thanks to all members who came to support our boys and we would like even more as there is some quality golf to be seen.