Monash draw away at Bonnie Doon to stay in the hunt for finals
Published on 16th February 2021 in UncategorisedMONASH 3.5 v BONNIE DOON 3.5
The team travelled to Bonnie Doon last Sunday, in what was a crucial away match for us, there were two changes to the side, Jake Wicks and Mick Perry made their Pennant debuts for Monash at 5 and 6 respectively, in what was a very windy day.
We arrived at 6am with it hammering rain and very windy, at least the rain had gone away by the time we hit off at 7am.
Danny Marshall led the team out as usual…Danny was, as always his steady self, and after watching his opponent hit a cold shank right into the scrub with his second shot on the first hole, Danny took the lead in his match and was never going to give up his lead…Danny ended up winning 4&3!
Next off was myself at number 6, I am not sure who was more nervous, myself or Jake, but after hitting a straight block off the first tee and still managing a half on that hole, I eventually settled down, but was still 3 down after 11. I was able to get back to square standing on the 16th tee, but a couple of stupid errors saw me get beaten 2&1.
Jake Wicks was also playing his first match for Monash, and I think that nerves were a factor for Jake as well…Jake was up early in his match but his opponent reeled off three birdies in a row from 7 thru 9, and started to gain the advantage, in the end Jake was never let back into the contest and went down 6&5.
Zac Telfer was playing at number 4 against a solid opponent, this was a very good match with birdies winning holes and even halving holes, Zac was in front with 4 holes to play, but his opponent managed to get back in the match and they stood on the 18th tee all square, with both players having birdie putts, neither were able to convert and Zac ended up taking a half point from that contest!
Olli Hugill played at number three against a strong player who was able to use his local knowledge to his advantage, Olli was unlucky on a couple of holes with the bounce of the ball, and his opponent was able to make a lot of birdies, Olli eventually went down 4&3.
Our number two this week was Anthony Tan, Anthony had been showing some good signs the past couple of weeks, but just wasn’t able to put a complete performance together, but this week was different, Anthony played a very solid round of golf, and made some crucial putts when it mattered, Anthony managed to be dormie with three holes to play, and eventually won 3&1, after closing his match out on the 17th!
Jordan Mackay, playing at number one, was playing a very good opponent, but Jordan played a very strong match, and his opponent never really troubled him as he eventually won 4&3. I saw Jordan’s opponent stomping his way up the 18th fairway, and when I asked him how he went his response was “I got belted!”, so well done to Jordy!
Bonnie Doon played a reserve in this match, and Michael Eksteen was our reserve, Michael played very well in the conditions and was able to win 3&2, so well done to Michael.
I know that a squared match is acceptable away, but once again a few mistakes at the wrong times cost our team a chance to win this contest, we have Bonnie Doon at Monash this week, and we definitely need to secure a win, to get off the bottom of the table. Penrith struggled at The Australian, which is good for us, but I am sure the whole team agrees that we would rather put our fate in our own hands rather than rely on other results!
I would really like to see a good turn out to support the team this week, on our home track with some support, as we need to make the next two weeks count…
Mick Perry – Pennant Manager
