By Ian Callen
Last week, round one results hinged on Tuesday’s play but as it turned out, it didn’t stop team NICHOLSON from taking a six point lead in the quest for the 2023 Premiership.
When RIDDELL and RAEL golfers returned to the tee for day one of round two; conditions were superb and the objective clear; they chased down the tournament leaders and prevented them from increasing their overall lead.
NICHOLSON’s top men Neil Ackerman, evergreen Fred Lloyd and the consistent Chris Handasyde were just as committed. They mastered the conditions, setting their team up for what might well be a twelve point Tournament lead.
This was dependent on play Saturday and the following Tuesday day three.
The challenge was immediately taken up on the weekend by team RIDDELL’s Dale Phillips with a superb round of 38 and 36 from Darren Edwards to bolster Doug Smith’s solo effort of 36 on Thursday leaving them within striking distance with a day’s play remaining.
Team RAEL were once again energised by their ‘Powerhouse’ McMinn, the welcome return to form of John Lloyd and support on the Saturday from Brenton King’s round of 35 added respect to the tally and hope Tuesday.
Results emerged as follows:
Team NICHOLSON:
Neil Ackerman (40) Fred Lloyd (40) Chris Handasyde (36) Greg Whimp (35), Laurie Tormey (33) Manfred Henning (32) Score 216
Team RIDDELL:
Dale Phillips (38), Doug Smith (36) Darren Edwards (36), Mal Moore (35), Alex Ward (34) Bruce Pollard (34) Score 213
Team RAEL:
Ian McMinn (36), John Lloyd (36) Kennith Emslie (35) Brenton King 35, Glen Newbery (34) Sydney Sheldon (34) Score 210
Tournament Golf Table
(After Round 1)
Team Wins Draws Points
Nicholson 1 – 6
Riddell – – –
Rael – – –
Stableford Golf
As the results came in Tuesday, Chief Steward Max McIntosh, soon realised Team RAEL’s Don Stevenson, the nominated player for the 4th hole was absent and a sub player would be required.
Attention diverted immediately to play at ‘The Gully’ the par three, 4th.
Word had passed about quickly; RAEL’s Beau Haye had positioned his ball on the green some 174 metres from the tee block and was eyeing a birdie putt. Beau was oblivious to the fact that if he rolled it in, his team would leapfrog RIDDELL to win the ‘Alba Paloma’ round one Stableford competition.
Teammates quickly found their way to the escarpment surrounding the green. It was an amphitheatre effect and the atmosphere in it infectious. Haye sent the ball on its way.
It dropped; then cheers erupted all around the course; only to be met by puzzled looks from below.
Congratulations to team RAEL, the Alba Paloma ‘Barista’ awaits you all.
Round 1; Rael (35) Riddell (34) Nicholson (32)
