AVONDALE IN A THRILLER TO CLAIM FIRST TITLE
Division I – Avondale defeated St. Michael’s 5-2
Augusta bound Harrison Crowe might have been missing from the St. Michael’s team, but Avondale knew they still had a huge hurdle to overcome to claim their first ever Division I Pennant.
With perfect conditions and soft greens, there were plenty of birdies to be made in what was going to be a thrilling final between both clubs.
Avondale’s Riley Millers was impressive winning 5&4 over undefeated player Alex Radevski of St. Michael’s to put the first point on the board for Avondale.
Both teams traded wins with Bryce Pickin of Avondale winning 1up and then St. Michael’s Luke Furlong also winning 1up on the 18th hole.
Recently selected NSW State Team member, Declan O’Dononvan claimed Avondale’s third point with a 2 &1 win over Daniel Kolar.
The Maroubra outfit was not giving up without a fight, with 3 matches yet to be decided and all going the distance and extra holes needed.
Marco Nocera and Callum Sharp could not be separated and were sitting All TIED thru 22 holes.
Daley Loumanis and Chris Fan were All TIED thru 18 holes and were waiting to hit their second shots into the 19th hole until they heard the roars up ahead and on the adjust fairway.
Avondale’s Jye Pickin had secured the victory on the 19th hole after his putt was conceded by St. Michael’s Jeff Pullen.
“It’s been an honour to captain the team and play in this team.. I’m am so proud how we played all year even though we fell short today. Congratulations to Avondale,” said Daley – St. Michael’s Team Captain.
“It’s been a long time coming but we have finally did it,” exhaled Greg Smith – Avondale Team Manager.
“With or without Crowe, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get the win today.”
“Thank you to all the caddies and supporters throughout the year.”
“Thank you to Golf NSW and Riverside Oaks for putting on an excellent day for the pinnacle of Pennant Golf.”
STONECUTTER’S DROUGHT IS OVER
Division II: Stonecutters Ridge defeated Cromer 5-2
In scenes that rivalled the Ryder Cup, Stonecutters Ridge’s Manager Steve Baird was drenched with an esky of ice and water after Stonecutters Ridge secured their first ever Pennant in the club’s history.
Again, both teams were really excited to be joining the premier clubs in Division I next season, but also there was still a job to be done today.
Leon Blacker was fast out of the blocks with a 5&4 win to kick off the day for Cromer.
Stonecutters’ Ryan Cadle 5&4 win and Daniel Williams 1up set the scene for what was going to be a day to remember for the club.
When Darcy Mackay also secured a 3&2 win, it was fitting that Stonecutters Team Captain Harrison Wilde, who was also undefeated for the year, secured their final point with a 2&1 win and the golf club’s first Pennant Flag,
“Word can’t explain what I am feeling at this point. I’m so proud of our team.”
“I’ve never seen so many supporters like this today. It was great…and we thank you for your support throughout the year.”
“Looking forward to next year,” smiled Harrison, the Team Captain.
RICHMOND CLAIM THE SPOILS
Division III: Richmond defeated Massey Park 4.5-2.5
Both teams were thrilled to be promoted to Division 2 for next season but the spoils of victory remained on offer.
Ian Davies’ 6&4 win and Reggie Pappas’ 5&4 win was exactly the start Richmond were looking for.
Daniel Ayre extended Richmond’s lead after securing a 3&1 win taking them to 3 points to 1 point midway through the day.
Massey Park’s Sandesh Sidhu kept his team alive with a 5&3 win to secure their second point of the contest.
With only one more point required, Craig Ellings was able to secure the final point with a 4&3 win and with that claim the Pennant Flag for Richmond.
“Just wanted to say, it’s not easy to win your section, then win your semi, and then win the final.”
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and it could have gone either way.”
“But, Richmond we did it…Woohoo!” said an excited Damion – Team Captain.
GLENMORE REIGN IN BATTLE OF THE WEST
Division IV: Glenmore Heritage Valley defeated Campbelltown 4-3
In the battle of the West, it was always going to be a close one with four matches decided on the 18th green.
Campbelltown’s Kadir duo both secured points for their team, with Zain’s 2&1 win and Zackie winning 1up.
Brad Fairclough’s 2up win gave Campbelltown three points at this stage of the contest.
Glenmore’s David Bishop got Glenmore on the board with a 4&3 win followed closely by Ben Michelmore’s 1up win.
Andrew Robb of Glenmore secured their third point winning 2&1.
Finally and fittingly, Will Hoven secured the win and Pennant Flag for Glenmore with the final putt of the day to win 1up.
“Such a great day. The course was in great condition.”
“It was a close one today but we are excited with our win.”
“Thank you to all supporters and caddies and thank you to Golf NSW for the day,” said Ben – Team Captain.
NORTH TURRAMURRA COMPLETE A FAIRYTALE
Division V: North Turramurra defeated Hurstville 4-3
In the golf clubs third year playing pennant golf, North Turramurra have taken out the Division 5 flag defeating Hurstville 4-3 in a very close contest that was decided on the last hole.
North Turramurra’s James Sharpe was impressive with a 7&6 win and Shane Kearney was solid with a 4&3 win for Hurstville to put the first points on the board for both clubs.
Martin Scicluna and Reece Johnson secured 3&1 wins to get another 2 points for Hurstville while Matt Maher’s 2&1 and Michael Li’s 1up win for North Turramurra set the stage for a fairy-tale finish for the Pennant Flag.
It was North Turramurra’s Richie Southwell who held his nerve and clinched the final point of the contest on the final hole against Matt Cox to win 1up.
“What can I say, what a great day and a great result for our club.”
“Huge shout out to our Golf Ops Professional James MacDonald for the support he has given us.”
“It was a close contest today and as was the whole year for our team.”
“Our third season and now we get to move up to Division 4, we are excited,” smiled Damon – Team Manager.
