A brisk morning greeted the Division Five team this morning at Cottesloe where they were pitted against Sun City who, like Nedlands, were looking for their second win for the year and with both teams a slim chance of reaching the final it was a crucial game.
Once again Nedlands made changes to the winning team last week with Gary Hing, Aidan Cooper, Dylan Morgan and James Pluske making way for Captain Scott van Heurck, Matt Dumble, Damon Watkins and John Samuels.
Dylan Morgan was a late withdrawal due to ill health– 6.30am.
Thanks to Damon Watkins for coming into the team at very late notice – his win was excellent given the late notice.
The changes paid dividends with three of the four running out comfortable winners.
John Samuels was well and truly in command turning for home 5 up on his opponent and ran out a 5/4 winner.
Damon Watkins was also in front after 9 holes and whilst a loss on his 13th hole saw him back to 1 up after 14 holes, he won two of the next three and ran out a 3/2 winner.
Scott van Heurck was also well in command after 9 holes, turning for home 3 up. Errors from both Scott and his opponent crept in over the closing stages with Scott running out a 4/2 victor. Three wins in the bank after the first three matches. A great start.
John Venner was looking for back to back wins and after 9 holes things were tight with John down by just the one hole. Losses on the first two holes of the back nine were untimely and his opponent held on for a 3/2 victory.
Matt Dumble was 4 down after five holes and after nine holes he was still 4 down a situation from which he could not recover eventually going down 4/3.
So now it was 3 matches in favour of Nedlands and two to Sun City. Where was the fourth win coming from?
A pretty simple question and even simpler answer – Dave Southam of course.
Dave was 6 up after his first nine and seemingly cruising. A couple of losses over the next 4 holes gave his opponent a glimpse of victory but that glimpse faded into obscurity on the next hole with Dave running out a comfortable 5/4 winner.
Jack Ellis was engaged in a seesawing battle with his opponent with Jack finally losing his match at the 18th.
So, it was an excellent 4/3 victory to the team who can now look forward to the 5th round encounter against WA Golf Club at Sun City commencing at 7.30 am – apologies but I will not be there!!!
The Division Three team had a bye this week and next week they are also travelling to Sun City for a must win game against Wanneroo at a much more civilized hour of 11.30am.
Editors footnote – An old saying –
An “up and down” will always beat a “three putt”.
A new saying–
A “three putt” will always beat a “four putt”.
