Gallant Effort in Bonnar Just Falls Short

Round 2, 19^th May 2019

In a contest that promised to be an absorbing battle, it turned out exactly that way in trying conditions at Blackwood. The promised rain came down in bucket loads and full credit to all players for their commitment to the task under difficult conditions – on several occasions it seemed likely the course would be declared unplayable due to the amount of water on the greens, but patience paid off and play continued.

In the conditions there was some exceptional golf played from players of both sides – there was a barrage of birdies with several holes halved in birdies.

The Grange team took the initiative early and after 9 holes were leading the contest 4.5 to 2.5 with Grange well ahead in 2 games and Glenelg well ahead in one.

At no. 7 Andy Humphries was having a tough time and went down 6 & 4. At No.2 Will Starkey (playing his first game since returning from college in the USA) was also struggling to match his opponent and he went down 5 & 4. On the positive side, Harry Burner at No.1 was shooting the lights out and playing sub par golf – he was 4 up after 5 and continued his great golf to win 6 & 5. A highlight was driving the par 4, 9^th green and missing his eagle by a matter of inches, only for his opponent to hole a 20 foot putt through the water logged green for a half!

By the 13^th hole the Glenelg boys had held tough in the conditions to square the contest 3.5 all and in with a chance.

Anthony Olsen at No.3 had a tight match early to be square after 7, but then Ols put the burners on to be sub par and win 5 of the next 7 holes to win 5 & 4. The contest now stood at 2 wins each with 3 games still playing and the contest in the balance.

At No. 6 Ben Magi was having a mighty tussle – he was 2 down after 8 but won 9 and 10 with birdies to get back to square – still square after 13 where his birdie putt just missed, a combination of good play from his opponent and an unlucky break for Ben saw Ben go down 2 & 1.

At No.4 Simon Gallie was also having a tight tussle – Square after 6 he lost 7 and 8 to go 2 down, but won 9 to be 1 down at the turn. A long delay at the 10th green (awaiting a decision on course playability!) unsettled Simon a little and he missed a short 4 foot putt for birdie which would have got him back to square – after that his opponent played steady golf in the conditions and Simon went down 3 & 2.

Henry Duregon at No. 5 recovered from 2 down after 5 to get his game back to square after 9. Both players were playing solid golf and Henry got to a 1up lead after 13 and was till one up playing 16. His opponent then holed a 25 foot putt down the sloping green for birdie and then Henry calmly slotted his 12 foot putt for birdie and to remain one up. A half on 17 saw Henry still that one up playing the last where his approach shot from about 50 metres hit the pin and nestled within gimme distance to give Henry a hard earned 2 up win.   

The 4/3 win to The Grange gives them a slight edge in the battle for the Finals – but we are up for the challenge and look forward to the rest of the season with confidence.

Thank you to all the caddies who supported their players through some very wet and difficult conditions – your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Next Sunday we play The Vines at The Vines from 11.15am in another tough challenge playing a team on their home course.

Wayne Humphries, “B” Pennant Team Manager