The other two fixtures split the points in the Metropolitan Senior A pennant series, leaving the Bombers two points clear of the competition, a handy advantage so early in the season.
That advantage was reflected by the margins inflicted by the representative players within the Bombers line-up, naming their strongest side available for the opening clash. Brandon Hodgson, Duncan Croudis, Nick Borren and Ben Patston recorded comfortable wins while John McIntee’s win was hard fought over Paul Hubbard. Will Young was the sole victor for the B52s, defeating Dylan Stock on the last hole.
At Chisholm Links, the home side managed to hold Island Park to a half point each with a 3-3 draw in a torrid battle.
Four games were halved on the final green.
Former professional Michael Weastell, playing at No2, accounted for Park greenkeeper Michael Minty to earn the Links’ side’s only win while former Oamaru golfer Scott Clark had a dream debut securing Park’s win over captain Mark Collie at number four.
With the ledger sitting at 2.5 apiece it was left to the number one battle between Mackenzie Gibson and Chris Snow to decide the result. Both missed the green before Snow stiffed his chip, leaving Gibson a 2m putt which was successful to halve the game and the result.
At St Clair, both sides fought out another half but the result was a forgone conclusion long before the final putts fell. Former age group representative Blair Bennett turned back the clock defeating Callum White four and three to draw first blood. From there it was a topsy-turvy battle with both sides recording wins, Taieri’s Mark Andrews recording the biggest margin over Conor Ross, six and five, while the No1 battle went the way of St Clair, Matt Crawford beating Hayden Robertson four and three.
- Michael Minty
