For the most part, the 2022 Nedlands Challenge Cup match play competition went off smoothly on both sides of the draw.
As in the previous year John Holt took some heavy scalps including Shane Maloney and Damon Watkins, with the likes of Ben Cullinan, Gus Elliot, past winners Scott Van Heurck and Greg Polla, each checking out early.
Meanwhile Dave Steffel systematically worked through the field until the semi-final when he fell to John Holt who had made the final for the second year in succession.
On the other side of the draw Tony Cowan was making his presence felt until he came up against a consistent Barry Jones who thought he was on a game show and looking for another win. Unfortunately for him John Sheridan was getting in some high-pressure practice taking on the likes of Craig Marshall, Wilfred Ong and Tim Bryant. All these matches went down to the wire with Wilfred conceding a 3 foot put after not conceding a 2 footer earlier in the day. Apparently, Shero thanked Wilfred for his generosity for not conceding the earlier putt. Unfortunately for John’s good mate Tim Bryant brought himself undone with a fluffed chip on the last hole, handing over the victory.
Pam Ryan was charging through the field taking care of Ray Badnell, Gerhard Saueracker who had a victory over Bevan Lawrence who in turn had beaten Gavin Furness in the first round. There was plenty of clubhouse pressure as John Sheridan had to face Pam who played extremely well to the disappointment of John who was overheard saying “she hits the ball so bloody straight all the bloody time.”
So, the stage was set for a tight final between the two Johns after lengthy delays due to interstate travels, Christmas and New Year festive season and Covid 19.
John H got off to a flyer with a birdie on the first but had a momentary lapse in concentration on the 2nd by hitting the wrong ball and conceding the hole. John S seized his opportunity to go 4 up after 7 holes including a monster putt from behind the 7th green for an unlikely birdie.
John H started to find his rhythm and his long hitting to grind his way back winning 4 holes in the next 5 to square the match by the 13th hole. John S immediately grabbed the lead back winning the difficult 14th the 15th and 17th to close out the win 3/1.
Commiserations to John Holt just falling short of back to back wins and congratulations to John Sheridan the eventual winner of the 2022 Nedlands Challenge Cup.
Footnote – Plate event was won by Andrew Roberts who beat Ian Macdonald 2 and 1
