By Ian Callen
After last weeks narrow loss to Laurie Tormey’s ‘Team Nicholson’; opposing Captains, Malcolm Moore (Riddell) and Steve Oates (Rael) had sleepless nights. They knew if they were to suffer another defeat… they could say goodbye to the “Tormey-Taylor” for 2023.
So it wasn’t so strange to see greater urgency amongst the playing groups. This was evidenced by the number of pitch marks on greens as teams were about the fairways practicing late into the evenings with only the “Roos” for company.
Then somewhere about the course, Riddell’s Malcolm Moore had an idea and immediately called on his close friend and golfing companion Rob Johnston. The two were seen in deep discussion at the conclusion of play last Tuesday resulting in a decision to rest some of the their top golfers for day 1 of Round 3. The thought behind the move; high temperatures were predicted Thursday and more favourable conditions forecasted thereafter.
It wasn’t surprising that many of the ‘Tournament’s’ keen followers saw this as a shrewd move, if not a master stroke. Riddell’s playing list would certainly benefit from the decision and in particularly a number of the teams out of form “Top Guns”.
Then as results poured in Thursday, it was Riddell who looked set to capitalise; Max McIntosh out unusually early, had mastered the course with a superb round earning 40 points and he was well supported by playing partner Geoff Cooper with 34.
With players in reserve, Riddell were now the favourites with so many of their ‘Top Men’ available for play Saturday into day 3 Tuesday. But ‘Captain Moore’ was banking on the added bonus of their well handicapped point scorers coming good: And
They didn’t let him down, John Stewart, Alex Ward and Shane O’Brien had booked in for day two Saturday.
However, by the time all cards had been returned to the shed, Thursday, the Round 3 leader board showed Team Rael ahead with last years Club Champion, Glen Newbery, Josh Handasyde and the big hitting Mark Jackson also lining up Saturday.
As for the Tormey-Taylor leaders “Team Nicholson”; the question was, could their talented Saturday group overcome a 19 point deficit and carry a winning score.
As the ground crew moved about the course it wasn’t long before the early mornings sun hit the Lebanon and Nicholson’s top three; Chris Handasyde, Simon Caldicott, and Neil Ackermann were at the tee preparing for the dog leg par 4, first with Rael’s Glen Newbery.
Behind them, team mates Josh Handasyde and Mark Jackson were also readying themselves as Riddell’s Alex Ward John Stewart and Shane O’Brien where on the practice green.
The golf from that point was outstanding and when Caldicott eagled the ‘Par 5’ 8th, he was 5 under the card and headed for the Tournament’s best ever round. His only blemish on the front nine came at the 9th, where he sent his ball toward the cup only to see it fall short, needing only a half rotation for it to drop for a point saving par.
His playing partners Handasyde and Ackerman had also scored well and by rounds end the Nicholson trio had wiped the deficit to give their team what looked like being a well earned lead heading into the final days play.
But this was where ‘Shane O’Brien’ came to Riddell’s rescue lighting up the back nine to secure them a one point lead heading into the final day on Tuesday.
O’Brien had grown in confidence as he stroked his way around the front for 16 points and then at the turn… it was as if all his golfing shackles had been released, bring him home for a 39 point round.
With one days play remaining the interest in Team Golf remains exciting and all credit to our golfers… well played.
Team Golf Round 3 (day 2)
Team Riddell;
Max McIntosh 40, Shane O’Brien 39, Alex Ward 35, Geoff Cooper 34, Mark Jackson 33, Billy Gordon 30 = 211
Team Nicholson:
Simon Caldicott 43, Chris Handasyde 38, Howard Vaughn 33, Neil Ackermann 33, Manfred Hennig 32, Lyn Phillips 31 = 210
Team Rael;
Sydney Sheldon 36, Tony Purdie 35, Tim Howden 33, Glen Newbery 34, Greg Urquhart 33, Josh Handasyde 33 = 204
Tournament Golf Table
(After Round 1)
Team P W D Points
Nicholson 2 2 – 12
Riddell – – – –
Rael – – – –
