Division 5 FINAL – by Nigel Williams
MGGC vs WAGC at Lake Karrinyup
Sunday 27 July
The team was very excited to have made the finals and to be able to play on such a great golf course, but the weather forecast was for high winds, storms, thunder and lightning and the forecasters got it spot on.
The conditions were horrible at times.
We were ready for the challenge, after much deliberation and slightly flooded greens the first group got away only 15 minutes late.
After about 9 holes the siren went due to strong winds, lightning and heavy rain. There was a one hour delay, then back out to finish the days matches, the scores where tight at this stage with WAGC holding a slight edge and were up in 3 matches, MGGC were up in 2 Matches and 2 other were all tied up.
Eamonn Munday, playing number 7 was first to secure a win on the 18th hole 1 up a great effort, the only loss of the season for Eamonn was his first match which I think was just nerves with all other matches being won by Eamonn in a great season.
Logan King, playing number 6 Logan come up against one of their toughest competitors who was too good in the tough conditions. Unlucky Logan again a great season only losing 2 games in the last 2 years.
James McAuliffe, playing at 5, had found form at the back half of the season and hung tough down the last hole to get a 1 up win. Great finish to the season winning his last 3 matches.
Jono Hailes, playing at 4, this was a back-and-forth game with Jono being up then down but, in the end, his opponent proved to strong in a 3/1 loss.
Dean Marsh, playing at 3, had a tough day in the rough conditions, playing another one of WAGC real tough match players lost his match.
Nigel Williams, playing at 1, played solid on the front 9 in windy raining conditions to be 3 up at the turn and played old man par golf on the back 9 to win 5/3.
One match left and it was 3 matches each.
Steve Russell, playing at 2, our undefeated player and he was playing their undefeated captain in what was a very tight game. Unfortunately, the WAGC Captain was too good on the day and Steve lost on the 16th hole just before the siren went again in 3/2 loss. Steve had a fantastic season being undefeated until the final.
WAGC wins 4 MGGC 3.
It has been a great season, and all the players have learned a lot about how to play match play, also that the team comes first at all times. This is why we made the finals, the guys out of form took themselves out and practiced until they were ready for another battle.
Massive thank you to the caddies on the day – playing in those conditions isn’t easy and a caddy really does help. Thanks Thomas Love, Matthew Coates, Paul Oliver, Jordan Russell and Mac Williams.
I would like to thank all the people who came out to support in those conditions – Matt Thomas, John Murphy, Jarryd Treacy, Logan’s dad and brother, Brad Simms and Jessy Lee (apologies if I missed anyone, I’m sure I thanked you on the day)
Last but not least massive thanks to Dean and Nina form Cannington Mazda for their support this season. Without a major sponsor supporting the club and pennants this can’t be possible.
