Juniors off to strong start in McMillan Shield

After getting heated out last week, the McMillan Shield season kicked off in round 2 at Kooyonga. In muggy, wet conditions, Glenelg took on Thaxted Park in what was an enthralling contest all day.

With the focus on developing young talent and building team spirit, both were on display in spades. We have 18 players in our squad with eight playing each week (one playing reserve). Congratulations to all players today in representing their club with exemplary etiquette and sportsmanship.

Equally impressive was the involvement of players rostered off who acted as caddies for their team mates – thank you to Holly Burns, Harry Edwards, Jade Kinita, Yike Ma, Harry Morrissy, Oliver Nalepa and Luke Sandford. We also had several parents who spent the day helping look for balls and keeping spirits high.

Four of the seven matches were halved, Tilly Miels (1), Jack Ramage (4), Eliza Baker (6) and Josh Grundel (7). Darcy Burns (2) won 7/5 and Kane Hyams (3) won 3/1. William Darker went down in a close contest. The end result saw Glenelg win 4 and 3 up.

Special mention to Josh Grundel who, playing last, needed to win the last two holes to halve his match and thus give Glenelg the closest of wins. Josh was waning on the back 9 but got his mojo back by devouring a pie, a pasty, a chocolate bar and a handful of lollies (great thinking caddy Jade) to storm home under enormous pressure.

Darcy and Kane were solid all day and with further match practice Tilly, Jack and Eliza are sure to turn those halves into wins in weeks to come. William fought hard to get back into his match but was beaten by a player who had a ‘day out’.

A terrific start to the McMillan Shield season by a great group of kids. Roll on Kooyonga at Glenelg next week.

Craig Burns (McMillan Shield Manager)