Bonnar Boys Triumph in Final

Report by Wayne Humphries
Team Manager

Well, THE day finally arrived – the Bonnar Cup Final! The Glenelg boys went through the season undefeated, but this was the day that counted. We played The Grange for the 5th year in a row, and we knew and respected how tough they are to beat, and tough they were! After 5 holes, we were only leading in one game and by the turn we were still struggling, leading only in 2 games.

Things were looking a little grim to say the least!

But things turned our way over the back 9 and in a tense and tight finish the Glenelg boys were victorious with a hard fought 4 – 3 win to claim the Bonnar Cup for 2017, a just reward for the effort and commitment put in through the whole season.

Ben Winton led us out at No. 7 against a talented youngster from The Grange, Nick Thompson who had won all 6 of his games this year. Ben was only 1 down after 5 holes, but had a fallout with his putter to turn 4 down, Ben tried valiantly but Nick maintained his strong play to win the game 5/4.

Harry Burner at No. 5 had a tough game on his hands against Matt Wilson. Matt took the early lead being 2 up after 4, then Harry won the next 2 holes to get back to square, but then lost 7 and 8 to be 2 down again. Another fight back from Harry saw him back to square after 11, but Matt finished the stronger to win the game 3/1.

At No. 4 Jack Buchanan was playing Simon Andrew. Jack had won all 7 games for the season coming into the Final, but Simon played sub-par golf and Jack just couldn’t get enough birdies to match him and lost his game 5 & 4.

So Grange had 3 matches in and just needed to win 1 more game to win the Final.

At No. 3 Frank Vucic was 5 up after 9 against Jay Gilbertson and playing sub-par golf. Frank maintained his solid play to be 4 under the card when he finished his match with a 7 & 5 win. So, now Grange lead 3 – 1.

At No. 2 David Hiern was playing solid golf against Mark Demasi. Just 1 up after 7, Hierny won 3 of the next 4 holes to be 4 up after 11 and won his game 5/4. So now Grange lead 3/2, we were still alive.

In the meantime Jack Tanner at No. 6 was having a mighty tussle against The Grange captain Brad Stenner. Both boys played some magnificent shots with the scoreline being all square for most of the game, with Jack taking a 1 up lead after 12 and 2 up after 14, maintained that advantage after 16. But typically Brad fights back to win both the 17th and 18th holes to force the game down the 19th. Lose this game and we cannot win the Bonnar Cup, so a bit of pressure on young Jack, but Jack played the hole (a par 5) with 4 perfect shots. A great drive down the middle and a strong second to within 50 metres of the green. He then pitched to 12 feet and holed the putt for birdie and a 1 up win down the 19th.

The contest was now locked away at 3 games all, the crowd moved over to the 16th hole where Henry Duregon at No.1 was still playing against Scott Webb. Scott had held a 1 up or 2 up lead for most of their game and was 2 up after 10. It was encouraging to see Henry with the honour on that 16th tee and even more encouraging to hear the game was now all square. Game on again! We were back in with a chance. Henry hit a mighty drive to within 40 metres of the green down 16 and pitched it within 2 feet for a birdie and a 1 up lead. In typical Henry style he closed the game out with a win on the 17th hole after Scott played an errant approach shot. This win extended Henry’s unbeaten record to 20 games over the last 3 seasons, a great effort.

AND IT ALSO WON US THE BONNAR CUP, YOU LITTLE BEAUTY.

A big THANK YOU to quite a few members that came out to support the boys through the day. With the Club in quite a few other Finals it was really pleasing to see you out at Flagstaff Hill to support the Bonnar and Sharp Cup teams.

Thank you also to all the caddies and parents who were there all year and today to help the boys in their quest for the Bonnar Cup. Thanks also to the Club for their support to the Bonnar Cup side again this season, Club Management, sponsors, the coaching staff and supporters.

Thank you also to our reserves today, Andy Humphries and James Bridgen. Such is the depth in our squad this year, these lads missed selection in the Final but certainly contributed throughout the season. A team is only as strong as its reserves and these lads reflect the depth and strength of our Club at the moment.

Lastly, a HUGE thank you to the players, CONGRATULATIONS on this result. You were dared to “Embrace the Challenge” of high expectation this year and you came through with flying colours, well done!

The challenge is there now to emulate the Simpson boys from this year and go back to back next year. The future for Pennant Golf at Glenelg is looking very positive.

HOW GOOD IS GOLF?

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