The penultimate round of the Metropolitan senior A pennant series starts today and everyone still has a mathematical chance to play finals golf next month. Michael Minty looks at the state of play and finishing prospects.
Otago B52s v St Clair Saints
Saints (1st)
Next week: Taieri Lakes (home)
Predicted finish: 1st
Otago B52s (2nd)
Next week: St Clair Devils (away)
Predicted finish: 2nd
This has a draw written all over it which would seal the top spot for the Saints and keep Taieri Lakes in the hunt for a home semi.
However, the B52s again look strong from 1-3.
Match of interest is the battle at No 3 with Chris Snow (B52s) against the in-form Parker Aluesi, who has hardly missed a beat this season, while Brent McEwen’s inclusion for Saints adds interest as to where his level of golf is at as he contemplates another Otago Masters campaign.
Otago Bombers v St Clair Devils
Bombers (5th)
Next week: Chisholm Links (away)
Predicted finish: 4th
Devils (4th)
Next week: B52s (home)
Predicted finish: 5th
This stacks up as arguably the biggest game of the season for both sides.
The Devils hold that crucial 4th position and match up well on abilities with the Bombers. A draw would not be a surprising result but this is a must win/draw for the Bombers or they will be knocked out of contention for the finals.
Callum White returns for the Devils. His match against Brandon Hodgson at No 1 looks to be pivotal while the rest of the games could go each way.
But one would think a desperate Balmacewen side at home with it all on the line may finish the stronger.
Taieri Lakes v Chisholm Links
Taieri Lakes (3rd)
Next week: Saints (away)
Predicted finish: 3rd
Chisholm Links (6th)
Next week: Bombers (away)
Predicted finish: 6th
Taieri Lakes have plenty to play for today and could leapfrog the B52s should they lose.
Chisholm Links on the other hand would love 6 points over the next fortnight and help from the Devils and Bombers to throw a spanner in the works.
But on paper this looks tough for the Links side, not helped by the fact Taieri have pulled the old switcheroo, putting out a strong tail with Ken Shaw and Mark Andrews in order for a good start.
That will be where Chisholm need to target to get into the thick of it with the rest of the matches looking reasonably even and could go each way.
