vs. Otago.............

Mentioning the weather to Dunedinites is a bit like mentioning the war to Germans it's simply not done but the conditions on Friday, Saturday & Sunday were so glorious that one felt obliged to make reference - and we did - frequently!!!

Dating back to 1893 this was 117th year since the inception of the annual fixture and the Hanmer Shield epitomises one of the more pure forms of the game - foursomes matchplay taken to the 18th. The Campbell Hoskings Shield came slightly later and now gives voice to individual matchplay on the subsequent day. Although significantly later in introduction the Friendly Shield has also built up its traditions since being first contested in 1952 and the competition on course is anything but friendly - fourball on the Saturday and individual on Sunday.

In last years rain effected conditions Christchurch had surrendered the Hanmer Shield and were now looking for a strong home performance to regain the trophy. The matches were all closely contested but at the end the scores were tied at +3. The result may have been different if a Christchurch ball had not lodged in a tree down 18 - it fell to earth over an hour later in close proximity to Grant Mitchell - but under the rules of the competition the holders, Otago, were deemed to be the winners and retained possession of the Shield.

At the evening meal Captain Ken Fergus called for a hard nosed performance from his team on the Sunday to maintain at least one prize. His words of encouragement were heeded as a sterling effort returned a 6 to 2 victory. At the top of the order Karl Kitchingham & Nathan Gilbert (in his first fixture 3 under par when the game ended) were unstoppable while good returns were made by Bruce Cooper, Ken Fergus, and the other newbie Andrew Gillespie. Glenn Bongartz toiled hard but for all his bravado on the previous night was only good enough on the day to secure a half against his long time opponent Boulty. Rod O'Brien also secured a hard fought half against opposition captain and usual adversary Danny Ginn.

Likewise the Friendly match was evenly balanced at days end. The fourball result had the score 2.5 each with all to play for in the individual although perhaps the scales tipping slightly in favour of the home team on local knowledge alone. Skipper Grant Mitchell placed a lot of thought into his playing order and now needed to see the results, the team did not disappoint rallying to the call to vanquish the Balmac visitors.

Wins were recorded by Martin Toon 5/4 ( on the front nine Martin shot even par) Grant Mitchell 3/1 (after being 4 down early), Alan Scott 2/1, Grant Osborn by lots and lots, Joe Mullins by the same margin, Barry Fletcher 1 up (if you have an hour Barry will tell you about the last - no.15 - with more penalties than an overtime World Cup Shootout) and myself who after a flying start and going 6 up at the turn developed speed wobbles before finally closing out 5/3. To all those that played win or lose well done the matches were all played in a fine spirit of competitive camaraderie.

As always the social events figure large on the programme and Saturday night was no exception. Introductions of new members were completed amidst much mirth and as always a few humorous stories were exchanged before the putting competition took place. Playing the putter like a driver Glenn Bongartz was able to hit the gin bottle twice (it is lucky it didn't break) to claim victory. In a return to ages past a chipping competition then took place and perhaps more by good luck than good management no serious damage was done apart from to Grant Osborn's head - don't ask!!

Many thanks to Amanda, Andrew and their whole team (Liam & Claire) your efforts over the weekend were much appreciated by both the home and Otago players - ferrying them back to their hotel on Saturday night was above and beyond the call of duty. They may have been out of the Clubhouse by midnight but we understand they weren't in bed until much later!! Already we are eagerly anticipating a renewal of the rivalry at Balmacewen in 12 months time!!