The 2020 Eric Apperly Shield is underway for 2020, and in a historic first, females and males are competing against one another.
An impressive 14 females have been selected for their respective clubs in the 70-year-old competition. While some names may be well-known, others will become familiar as their golf journey continues.
Twenty-two metropolitan clubs and one district (ACT/Monaro) are vying for the shield this year. With plenty of US College-based players making themselves available, the competition was fierce.
Section 1 at Liverpool
NSW had to dig deep to win their match against hosts Liverpool before lightning brought an end to the day. Jasmine Driscoll for NSW was a big winner, taking her match 8&6. Harry Doig, back from college, had his game cut short due to weather as did Jake Raey.
Both Lakeside Camden vs Manly And the Cronulla vs Concord (Gold) matches were abandoned due to lightning with both teams securing a half point apiece.
Sadly for Concord, with three matches in before whether hit, the extra half point proved too hard to acquire. Like Driscoll in the NSW team, Belinda Ji (8&6), Sophie Yip (5&4) showed how competitive the women are.
Section 2 at Lynwood
With the hosts receiving a bye, it was Concord ( Sliver) who impressed managing a clean sweep over Monash 6 – nil. Josh Armstrong, in his first Eric Apperly Shield match for Concord, won 6&5, While NSW State team member Doey Choi made easy work winning 5&4. NSW Junior team representative Lachlan Jones also had a handy win of 6&4
The Australian defeated The Lakes 4-2 in the other match with Jeffrey Guan showing some hot form winning 8&7. Amy Chu, fresh back form college at Washington State, showed her class winning 5&4.
Section 3 at Cumberland
Avondale was able to get in before the weather hit with big wins from NSW State team Grace Kim (10&8)and the college-bound pair of Jye Pickin (7&5) and June Song (6&4). William Bayliss (7&6) secured the contest.
Lightning caused Both The Australian (RED) vs Pymble (2019 Runners up) and Bonnie Doon vs Asquith matches to be abandoned.
Section 4 at Stonecutters
Long Reef defeated Penrith 3.5 – 2.5 in a close encounter. Jack Davies was impressive winning 6&5 for Long Reef. Joshua Fuller at number one was the half point the Peninsula team required to get the win.
Defending Eric Apperly Shield Champions St Michaels started strongly with a 5.5-0.5 win over Killara. Led by NSW State team member Harrison Crowe (8&6) and NSW HP squad member Jordie Garner (5&3) Big wins also came from Weilang Wang, Aidan Powter and Jeffrey Pullen.
