On Saturday 26th August 106 players set out on a perfect day aiming to win the second playing of the Neil Watson Tray – an 18-hole stableford event sponsored by Ron Birmingham, who also presented the Perpetual Trophy to the club.

Neil Watson was highly regarded in the club and his service has been recognised with the Perpetual Trophy named in his honour.

Neil passed away in August 2021. He was 84 years old and one of the club’s longest serving members, having joined in 1953 as a junior member. He represented the club in Pennants over many years and won many Honour Board events with his “sweet swing. He was one of nature’ s true gentlemen.

After the morning field had finished Kyle Summers (22 H’Cap) led the way with 40 points. Starting from the 6th his first 9 holes of 21 points (including a “wipe”) set up his score and he came home with 19 points – would the one-pointer on the final hole prove costly? Time would tell.

Playing alongside him was Jack Ellis (6 H’Cap) who was keeping Kyle honest. After 19 points on his front nine he needed 3 points on his final hole to draw level – no points and signed for 37 points.

Next were Mark Matthews (6 H’Cap) and Edmund Hall (Scr H’Cap) on 36 points.

The scoring in the afternoon did not improve with the best round coming from Andrew Frazer (13 H’Cap) (8) with 39 points. Andrew was looking good after 9 holes with 22 points. One point on the par 3 12th did not do his chances any good and coming to the final hole he needed to have 3 points to overcome the morning leader – one point gave him 39 points and he became the “bridesmaid”.

Paul Henderson (23 H’Cap), fresh from a long spell, played very well for 15 holes but one point on the 16th hole thwarted his chances and he signed for 38 points and third spot.

Other good afternoon scores came from Ako Futaesaku (15 H’Cap) and George Lewin (14 H’Cap) both with 36 points.

So Kyle Summers had won his first Perpetual Trophy with 40 points – a great effort.

Edmund Hall won the best gross with 36 points – 72 off the stick.

The defending Champ, Greg Polla (13 H’Cap) had a day to forget and finished well down – no way down the list!!

FINAL LEADERBOARD

Kyle Summers (22 H’Cap)              40points

Andrew Frazer (13 H’Cap)              39 points

Paul Henderson (23 H’Cap)           38 points

Jack Ellis (6 H’Cap)                         37 points

Mark Matthews (6 H’Cap), Ako Futaesaku (15 H’Cap) George Lewin (14 H’Cap) and Edmund Hall (Scr H’Cap) all on 36 points

Thanks once again to Ron Birmingham for providing the Perpetual Trophy and sponsoring the day.

Congratulations to our winner KYLE SUMMERS

 

From Greg Fitzhardinge