Simpson Cup into Pennant Final

Report by Geoff Attenborough
Team Manager

In cold and at times light rainy conditions, our Simpson Cup team continued their unbeaten season with a tough 5.5 to 1.5 win against Kooyonga at Thaxted Park. This match was always going to be tough to win and the team excelled themselves against a quality team who we are more than likely face again in the final in two weeks time.

Four of our team had to get the job done on the 18th hole and it was a credit to them to hold their nerve under pressure to either gain a win or a halved match.

Our first player out at No. 7 was Michael Munn coming into the team replacing Ben Layton unavailable due to a family commitment. Munny, celebrating his birthday, did not let the team down with a hard fought win against previously unbeaten Tim Baker from Kooyonga. This match only had a 1 hole advantage to either player all day but Michael completed the tough 1 up win.

Anthony Olsen at No. 6 again showed his leadership qualities having a hard fought halved match against young up and comer Kyle Hayter. After being up for most of the match and having a 2 hole advantage after 12, Anthony suddenly found himself 2 down with two holes to play. With his never give up attitude, Anthony won the 17th and then holed a great 15 foot putt to win the 18th, gaining a halved match to continue his unbeaten run for the season.

Josh Hayes playing at No. 5 continued his great season with a 1 up win. Being a maximum 2 holes up throughout the match Josh always seemed to be in control and this proved to be the case with Josh completing his win. Josh has worked really hard on his game over the last four months and is reaping the rewards with his results.

Jackson Kalz at No. 4 was another of our boys to have a tough battle against a very experienced Kooyonga opponent Daniel Spiers. Jackson after being 1 down through 5 holes, gained the advantage to be 1 up after 9 and this remained the same until the 17th when the match became all square. On the 18th Jackson had a chance to win the match but an unfortunate 3 putt resulted in another halved match.

Sam Burton playing No. 3 against his State Team mate Will Somerfield probably had a day of missed opportunities. After gaining an early 2 hole advantage through 7 holes, he found himself square after 9. To then get out to be 2 up after 12 holes, this match came down to the wire with Sam holding out with a halved match.

Sam Earl at No. 2 completed a solid win against young state player Joe Hodgson. After seemingly always being in control of his match, Sam continued his great form with a convincing 3/2 win being 6 under par at the completion of his match.

Lachlan Barker at No. 1 played one of the most outstanding pennant matches I have witnessed. His Kooyonga opponent Heath Riches must be wondering what you have to do to win. Lachy won the match 2/1 but was an extraordinary 10 under par for 17 holes and I cannot remember any player being close to that score after following pennant golf for 30 years. For Heath to be 6 under and lose 2/1 for himself is an outstanding effort.

The team will now focus on next weeks match against Tea Tree Gully at Kooyonga. As has been done all season we are taking it 1 week at a time and not letting any complacency set in. To all of our team well played but we reset next week to keep up the momentum.

Thanks to our supporters for continuing to come out and encourage our team. Also to the caddies thanks again for helping to get our boys across the line. This was a difficult day against a tough team and the efforts of all caddies and supporters is much appreciated.

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