Simpson Cup team halve Kooyonga

_DB_4508 Report by Geoff Attenborough (Team Manager)

The Simpson Cup team travelled to The Vines of Reynella Golf Club for a tough match against second placed Kooyonga. After 90mm of rain for the week, The Vines Club are to be congratulated on the presentation of their course.

Playing no. 7 for Glenelg Ben Hallam had a titanic battle against his Kooyonga opponent. After 10 holes the match was all square. Ben then lost 2 holes in succession to be in a vulnerable position. Not to be outdone, Ben still 2 down with 4 to play won the 15th and 18th to get a very important halved match.

Next out at no. 6 was Josh Hayes and after a disappointing loss last week was keen to get a solid win and this he did. After an even start being only 1up after 4 holes, Josh quickly won three of the next 4 holes to be 4up after 8 holes. To then win 3 of the next 5 holes gave Josh a well deserved 7/5 win.

Ever Reliable Anthony Olsen playing at no. 5 was another to have a tough match. After being 1 down after 3 holes Anthony gained the advantage to be 1up after 8 holes. To then lose a hole to go back to square after 12 Anthony dug deep to win 3 of the next 4 holes to complete a tough 3/2 win.

Jackson Kalz, playing at no. 4 had a tough day playing state team member Will Somerfield, who had a distinct advantage with length off the tee. Being only 1 down after 7 holes Jackson was holding his own but unfortunately could not keep up the pressure to eventually lose his match 5/4. This was Jackson’s first loss in Simpson Cup against a quality opponent and he will be better for the experience.

Ben Layton at no. 3 was another to have a tough day. Although not seeming to be playing well, Ben held a 1 hole lead after 9. Not being able to keep the momentum going and with some errant shot making Ben unfortunately lost his match 3/2. Playing at home next week will give Ben a chance to regroup and get back to top form.

Sam Earl playing no. 2 and on his old home course played some brilliant golf to record a soft win. After being 2up after 5 holes and seeming to be in control, Sam exerted his influence on the match winning 5 of the next 7 holes to record a great 7/6 win.

Lachlan Barker playing another State team mate Heath Riches also had a tough battle. There was nothing between them for the first 6 holes only for Lachlan to lose 2 of the next 3 holes and be 2 down at the turn. Not being able to gain any ground Lachlan slipped to 3 down with 3 to play. After winning the 16th hole to get back to 2 down, Lachlan had the chance to get back to 1 down on the 17th. After an unfortunate 3 putt to only half the hole Lachlan lost 2/1.

This was Lachlan’s last match for this pennant season with him travelling to Japan for the Japan Amateur followed a week later playing the World Junior Amateur at Torrey Pines Golf Club in The US. This is a fantastic opportunity and I along with the rest of the team wish him all the best.

With our place in the final now certain the team will be working hard on their games to keep our momentum going for the next 2 weeks. With our last minor round game at Glenelg next Sunday we will be looking for a strong result against The Vines at home. This is a great opportunity for club members to come out and support our team leading into the final as well as seeing some quality golf.

Thanks again to all caddies and supporters for braving the cold weather on Sunday as it gives our boys a big lift.