Olsen, James, Layton claim pennant honours

Anthony Olsen, Sophie James and Ben Layton have claimed this year’s Pennant Player of the Year awards, presented at the closing Pennant Dinner held at the Club on Sunday night.

Following an outstanding year with his clubs, Anthony Olsen won his first Men’s Pennant Player of the Year Award after going undefeated during the 2015 season.  The only “blemish” on his card was a halved match against The Grange at Highercombe in round two.  Playing in positions 4, 5 and 6 all season, Olsen was a solid performer for the Simpson Cup side, often being the first to get the team on the scoreboard with a win.  After missing the 2014 season due to knee surgery, there is no doubt Olsen was a welcome addition to this year’s side and will consolidate his position in the Club’s Simpson Cup side for years to come.

Sophie James had a stellar 2015 season, going undefeated in every match of the minor rounds, and a conceded half in the final against The Grange at Kooyonga Golf Club.  James played in positions 2 or 3 for the duration of the season and never faulted.  Her smallest win was a 2/1 victory over Golf SA Fringe player, Susan Keylock in round 2, with all other victories emphatic in nature.  James was also another welcome addition to Glenelg’s pennant squad this year after missing the 2014 season due to various other commitments.

16-year old left-handed sensation, Ben Layton, won his first Bob McLuckie Trophy as junior pennant player of the year.  Layton played high in the order of the Bonnar Cup side and performed brilliantly, losing only one match for the season against eventual champions, The Grange, in round 2.  Layton ensured revenge on his opponent in the final played at Flagstaff Hill but unfortunately it was not enough for his team to get over the line.  Layton joined Glenelg in late 2014 with best mate, Lachlan Barker, from Willunga Golf Club, and both already proving themselves to be exceptionally well grounded and mature players.  Barker, also 16 years of age, had an outstanding season taking out the Most Outstanding Achievement award after securing four wins and one half from six matches at number 2 and 3 in Simpson Cup.  We are confident both teens will be outstanding ambassadors for our Club in years to come.

Sarah Crocker was awarded the Women’s Team Player of the Year award after another successful season as player and caddy.  Crocker played four Women’s Grade 1 matches, including the final, to be undefeated, as well as caddying for Elysia Yap and Josie Hodge when team reserve.  In an amazing feat, Crocker remains undefeated from 17 pennant matches stretching back to 2012 when she was representing Glenelg in the Women’s Grade 2 team.

2015 Pennant Awards