In stark contrast to the previous week, the rains were no where to be seen and there was a buzz around the practice greens as there were still a few in contention to take out the Fred Kitson Spring Cup. Early money was on the Beast to take out the chocolates after a +4 the week before, but it was Simon who had a cracking start to proceedings and was observed to be smoking the course early (figuratively, or was it). He was well on the way with a lead in the club champs and turned at +3, but faltered under the pressure massively to come home in a whimper. Noods was also in contention most of the day and “what could have been” was again heard mumbling from him at the completion of the round.
In the end, talent beats luck and the Beast maintained a square card to win on a total of +4 for the competition. Noods ended up sneaking in for second place on +2 overall to take second, and a narrow lead in the championship table with only 4 weeks to go. A few supportive members muttered after the round that this would be his last points for the year as he is sure to crumble. Only time will tell. After a demoralizing back 9, Simon limped home in a respectable 3rd overall on +1 for the tournament, and with it a healthy lead in the Seniors champs and close in 2nd behind Noods in the club champs.
A trio of companions shared the points for 4th all on -1, Daniel, Brent and JQ, who missed a putt from 4 inches on the 18th, leaving it short! Blighty snoozed home in 5th place for 2 points on -2, who was also joined by Jason who had an up and mostly down day after being right in contention after week 1.
Course conditions were suited to scoring as there were a total of 13 birdies carded from 16 players. Numbers where a bit disappointing, especially as there were some notable absentees from the week before **cough cough… Rob**. Maybe it was the second week of PAR in a row that was the bug bear for some, we will have to thank Fred for that one, as Damo mentioned after the round with some kind words of Fred’s time at the club.
The ball hole was on the 12th hole and was hotly contested, none other than Blighty took out the prize with a very nice shot from the rear tee position. He also sank the birdie for good measure, which improves his eclectic position to 2nd overall. The first jackpot pro pin was on the 15th and Brent played a beautiful butter cut to hit one to around the 2.5m mark. He almost repeated the feat on the 18th but was narrowly beaten by Noods, who again won a jackpot in a tricky pin position on the ridge.
There was some confusion on the 14th where the would be putters at the green were waiting for an eternity for Peter to find his ball. After the guys at the 14th tee decided to play through and tee off, it was revealed that Blighty had in fact taken Peters ball by mistake after he slotted it way down the 16th fairway and he was waiting for it to be returned.
As mentioned above, there are only 4 weeks left of points rounds for the season, and the club champs are very close indeed. Anyone’s game from here in.
Results for Saturday, 27 October 2018
1st Bill Eastoe(+4, □, +4) 2nd Stephen Butterfield(□, +2, +2) 3rd Simon Powell(+2, -1, +1) 4th Daniel O’Rourke(+1, -2, -1) 4th Brent Rowley(+1, -2, -1) 4th John Quinlan(□, -1, -1) 5th Andrew Blight(-2, □, -2) 5th Jason Hopkins(+2, -4, -2)
Seniors Results: 1st Bill Eastoe (□) 2nd Simon Powell (-1,2,1) 3rd Andrew Blight (-2,0,-2)
Nearest the Pin Results: ProPin No 1 15th Brent Rowley ProPin No 2 18th Stephen Butterfield BallPin 12th Andrew Blight