Ron Budge Senior Pennant Round 5

We made the short journey down the road to Southern Golf Club to take on Woodlands, and what an exciting afternoon was in store.

We sent out Peter Light first and things were looking good early, with Peter resuming his excellent form of recent weeks. A couple up early, things didn’t go to plan in the closing stages with an uncharacteristic loss on the 17th, 2&1 down. Brett Shemmell followed and it was a different story in this game with Brett taking charge in the first few holes and into the clubhouse for an early beer, 6&4 winner.

Mark Templeton has a habit of close matches and he declared at the start that he was going to the Oasis concert after the game, so intended to finish off with a quick win. Unfortunately for Mark, although up at the turn, on the back 9 he hit the Wonderwall and went down on the 18th. No Champagne Supernova today for Mark, but I’m sure he won’t Look Back In Anger.

John Scheffer was making his debut for this season due to holiday commitments at the start of our season. He’ll be first to admit he didn’t produce his best, probably a bit short of match practice, and lost out 4&3 today, but will be back for the final game of the season.

So, 3-1 down at this stage, it was up to our top players to pull something out. David Halligan was in at No.3 and with his regular fan club following his every shot, played solidly the whole afternoon to secure another fine victory, 2&1.

Our No.2 today, Stuart Easey just happens to be a member at Southern, so at a slight advantage today, but playing one of the most experienced players in the Budge competition. Square at the turn, Stuart birdied holes 11 and 12 to go 2 up and increased his lead to round off a great afternoon, 3&2 winner.

By my counting, we were tied at 3 matches all and Scott Thomson had been battling all afternoon. On the 12th, par-3, Scott hit a beautiful iron in to 8 feet, but his opponent nearly holed out, finishing 6 inches from the cup. Scott knocked his put in for a half. And they were still even through 16 holes. On the 17th, par-5 Scott had a super up-and-down from the front edge which was not matched by Woodlands, taking him 1 up playing the last. His second into the 18th was not the quality he was looking for with Woodlands on the green. Left with a 10 foot put, Scott shaved the hole, but agonisingly missed, to lose the final hole, but the match was squared.

In the end, a terrific battle across all 7 matches and a 3.5 tied match was a fair result, with neither team deserving to lose. This week we head for Ranfurlie to take on the might of The National.

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