Juniors through to final after great victory over Grange

Report by James McDonald
(Team Manager)

I finished last week’s report by stating that I hoped I had positive news to report this week.  The team went into the match against Grange knowing that a win or a tie would get them into the final.  It looked bleak through nine holes – we had one game up and four were down. But the lads pulled it out of the bag to produce a great victory and get themselves into the final on Sunday at Glenelg.

Liam Kennewell was the first off – he was well in the contest early, but lost a couple of holes towards the end of the front nine.   Liam had a few chances on the back nine but wasn’t quite able to capitalise.  Liam continued to battle all the way to the end but unfortunately went down 3/2.

Sam Williams was thrown in the deep end this week and he turned out to be the hero.  Sam was playing his first game of the season and pulled off a great come from behind victory.  Sam played solid golf early on but like Liam, dropped a couple towards the end of the front nine.  With seven holes to play Sam was two down and our chances were looking slim at best.  After the 14th hole and to my shock, Sam was back to one down.  Sam then proceeded to win the next three holes playing solid and calm golf, making clutch up and downs and as a result won his game on the 17th.  It was a great win and proof that if you stay patient and trust your game it can all turn around.

Haydn Booth stepped out at number three this week and like Sam, he managed to turn his match around and get a clutch win.  Haydn was in front early with a great chip in eagle on the 3rd hole, but he dropped a few holes to be one down at the end of the front nine.  Haydn, as he has done a few times this year, stayed patient and slowly wore his opponent down.  As Haydn got to the 18th tee one up, we were in the final, we couldn’t lose.   But Haydn finished in style and won the 18th to win two up.

Ever consistent Jack Hynes played at number two this week and as captain he led from the front.  Jack hit the ball well, made few mistakes and was in control of his match from the start.  Jack won 5/4 and continued his great pennant season.

Todd Williams was given the tough task of playing number one this week against a strong opponent in Ben Tucker.  Todd was in the contest early on but by the end of the front nine he had let a few holes slip.  Ben took control on the back nine going on to win 6/5.  Todd has had a good season so far this year and will bounce back in the final.

I could not be prouder of the boys – they now believe in themselves and know they are good enough to win the final.  It was great to see the smiles on their faces after the match on Sunday and they deserved to be happy.  The boys have the week now to fine tune their games and give their best effort in the final.  Bring on Sunday and all the best to Women’s A1 and Bonnar Cup teams as well.

Results

Glenelg (3) def. The Grange (2)

(1) Todd Williams lost to Ben Tucker 6/5
(2) Jack Hynes def. Jack Thompson 5/4
(3) Haydn Booth def. Brad Andrew 2 up
(4) Sam Williams def. Matt Lange 2/1
(5) Liam Kennewell lost to Riley Marshall 3/2

To view full results of Sharp Cup round 7, click here.