The Week That Was.......

The continuation of clement weather and a busy programme saw one of the biggest fields of the year descend on Shirley at the weekend. Top Dog and Godby Trophy were approaching their due dates and combined with a stroke round for the Australian Cup ensuring that the course was full to capacity. The Club's concern at slow play continues and a range of new initiatives is being considered including standing slow players aside and moving some groups to the end of the field. As I have said before the remedy is in your hands there is only so much the Committee can do - this weekend saw timing sheets and hints handed out.

Match of the Day for the Australian Cup was Stroke nett and won on countback by Dennis Doherty on 68. Obviously his sojourn in Melbourne at the Heritage played him into form! The Senior Grade was won by Ian Currie from Jim Paulsen and Philip Hong while Michael Hadley won the Intermediates from Shaun Xiong and Dodge Healey. In the Juniors Alan Jones again with 68 was the winner from Stu Kemp and Jeff Suddens. I suspect that Ian Currie and Michael Hadley are hitting form just at the right time.

If you were lucky enough to get a two it was worth $20.45 as there were 11 in the pool, the jackpot of $95 was won by Nic Fry. Nearest the pin on 3 was Warren Jones and in the same four Kerry Haycock was successful at 11 - $50 each. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves (David & Bridgit Blair) was Paul Dunn while Drew Butcher was nearest for two on 18 sponsored by Benjarong Thai Cuisine (David Wallace). The nett eagles was struck on hole 17 by Stephen Boyd $90.

In addition there were a number of other important matches played out at the weekend. In Top Dog Bryan Pearson & Tony Marryatt saw off Brian Nixey & Alan Scott no mean feat albeit they went to the 19th. It's great to see newer members becoming integrated into club events so good luck to Bryan and Tony for the next round.

In a grudge match Brian Ronan and Bryan Andrews defeated Simon Yorke and Glenn Bongartz 1 up to show that experience and a lot of shots can triumph over youth. The father and son combination of Michael and David Kerr were successful over Martin Toon and Richard Pearce while on Sunday in the upset of the round Paul Needs and Ross Campbell defeated early favourites the Hicks boys Brendan and Matthew. Although requiring a cart injured Dennis Maguire and his partner Mark Bond were good enough to beat the late entries of Ian Walker & Liam Cumberpatch. All games in the first round proper should now be completed and we look forward to some interesting match ups in round two.

The Godby Trophy also moved forward and in what was a busy weekend for him Brian Ronan defeated Mike Ambrose. Ben Frampton warmed up for Metro with 2/1 victory over the consistent and frequent mid week winner Peter Sturge. In a one win one loss weekend Ross Campbell fell to Ian MacDonald at the 20th but only after he had fought back from being 4 down early on. In a 'friendly' match the smiling assassins were again successful over the Kemp/Dickson combination bragging rights now held by Marcus Annan & David Isaac.

The Club programme continues to advance and at this early stage Player of the Year is still very match an open race so play whenever you are able!!