After winning our division in the round-robin matches and qualifying for the finals series, our Encourage Shield team were pumped and ready for the semi-finals. Our game was held at Bexley GC and we were up against Camden GC. For those who haven’t played at Bexley, it is a very tight and short golf course with greens smaller than most of our bunkers! I set the boys a challenge to see who could hit the most greens in regulation with the prize being a dozen Titleist Pro V1s. We also had another challenge ahead of us with all of our boys having to give away at least 3 or more shots in every match, but this did not phase them during their warm-ups.
Starting the team off was Jack Lind at number 6. Jack got off to a great start being 2 up after 6. Unfortunately his opponent woke up mid-round and went on a hot streak on the back nine and Jack went down fighting, 2/1.
The big-hitting Archie Stanford played number 5. Archie was in a tight battle with his opponent having the lead chopping and changing throughout the front nine. Sadly for Archie, his biggest strength being his driver, let him down on the back nine and a few unlucky breaks here and there didn’t help either, with the match ending in a 3/2 loss.
Thomas Woo was playing at number 4. He had another tight match for the second week in a row. I think Thomas secretly agrees with his opponents to play all 18 holes on the 1st tee, just to keep his manager biting his nails until he hasn’t got any left! Fortunately for Thomas, he hit some splendid shots towards the end and won his match 1 up!
Kallum Grant, playing at number 3, was determined to win that box of Pro Vs and kept count of how many greens he had hit. However, he had another challenge to focus on, beating his opponent. They both went shot for shot throughout the day with some excellent short game from Kallum. Sadly his opponent was too strong and too consistent, losing 1 down on the 18th.
Number 2 is the ever-reliable Hugh Grant. There’s not much to say about this young fella other than how great a golfer he is going to be. Hugh never gave his opponent a chance and left him to throw in the towel, winning his match comfortably 5/4.
At number 1, Jed Hawkins was displaying some quality ball striking the whole day and found himself 1 up with 3 to play. Things unfortunately didn’t go his way with some bad bounces going OOB or in the trees towards the end, eventually succumbing to a 1 down loss.
Final result: MVGC 2 – Camden 4.
To say I am proud of this team is an understatement. They have grown remarkably close to each other in such a short space of time and the sportsmanship they have shown throughout the season is something MVGC will be very proud of. Big thanks to all the parents and members who made the effort to support the team the last 6 Sundays. Your continued support does not go unnoticed and the team thoroughly appreciate it. We can’t wait to do it all next year!
Jack McLeod
Junior Development Officer
