By David Waters
The stakes were high for round six at Eastwood with challenges for the top spots in green and gold groups. Forecast was for mid-twenties temperature. It certainly felt hotter, and the competition really hotted up.
An unfortunate start for Alan Robinson and Geoff Chamings from Churchill/Waverley. A vehicle malfunction had them stranded halfway to Eastwood. Teammates came to the rescue, and they arrived in time for hit-off. Alan’s day didn’t start well, five down in the first five holes. After a small recovery, Alan lost 2 down. Geoff his co-pilot managed to square the day.
Last year’s finalists Box Hill and Heritage faced off for the first time. The Green Heritage team prevailed, as expected from an undefeated team. Box Hill Gold found form at last to reverse its fortunes and defeat third-placed Heritage Gold.
As with most rounds, the home team advantage is hard to overcome. No exception in this round. Eastwood Gold winning 7 to Yering 1, and Eastwood Green winning 5 to Yering 3. Both groups included two tied matches.
The quick greens created long second putts if the first missed the hole, sometimes (many times) a third putt was needed if no one conceded. A close approach with the second or third shot avoided that prospect. The fairways though grassed, were dry, despite the efforts of ground staff. Consequently, a topped ball ran nearly as far as a well-struck high ball. The slopes and slight hills also played havoc with balls running off into leaf litter. No matter which colour ball, when in the litter they were hard to spot.
There were many good drives on the day, the best of course was the drive home. There were also some diabolical second shots. Most of those were followed by adjectives and self-descriptions of the player, and what he should do. Everyone finished play by 12.30pm. Thank goodness they said. Glad it was finished, as they laughed and shook hands. Happy to be upright and talking, golfers all went inside to mark their scores. Then down to the serious business of having a drink and consuming a delicious lasagna. The Eastwood caterers and ladies serving drinks did a wonderful job of looking after 100 golfers. They were acknowledged with applause. The results presentation concluded the day and all participants departed by 1.30pm.
The results were as follows:
Green group – Eastwood 5 def Yering 3, Heritage 5 def Box Hill 3, Churchill/Waverley 6 def Eastern 2.
Gold group – Eastwood 7 def Yering 1, Box Hill 5 def Heritage 3, Churchill/Waverley 6 ½ def Eastern 1 ½
