Island Park and Otago Bombers have set up a Senior A Metropolitan Pennants finals rematch after trouncing their semifinal opponents at Chisholm Links on Saturday.
The Bombers beat Taieri Lakes 5-1, while Island Park beat St Clair by the same margin. Neither matches was ever in doubt.
The Bombers’ domination was reflected in the margins, with four matches finishing before the 16th hole.
Nick Borren continued his good form, beating Ryan Rosevear 6 and 4, putting the Bombers on the front foot.
He was soon joined by the Bombers’ middle order, with Tyrone Ratahi finishing strongly, winning eight of the last nine holes after being behind against Matt Mercer. Ben Patston’s hot start proved the difference against Blair Bennett, giving the Bombers three games.
Bombers No5 Brandon Hodgson had to work hard in the feature match-up against Hayden Robertson, winning on the final green, before No1 Duncan Croudis beat Mark Andrews on the 15th green.
The only points for Taieri Lakes came from No2 Ken Shaw, who beat Jason Hughes 3 and 2.
Off the 13th hole, Island Park got off to a flyer against a St Clair side caught up in a selection saga, with both Joseph Hancock and Parker Aluesi missing from the side.
Island Park No5 Michael Minty drew first blood, winning some early holes which proved the difference in his 4 and 2 victory over Conor Jamison.
Mike Wray’s 14 pars in a row over Ryan Bellamy gave Park another win, while playing partner Michael Smith beat the well performed Jacob Bellamy on the 17th.
Phil Bungard was made to work hard for his 1-up victory over Cody McMullan, and Chris Snow beat self-confessed under-golfed Tony Giles on the 17th.
St Clair’s only point came from captain Matt Crawford, who got the better of Matt Tautari.
After being three down early, Crawford rallied, holing a 5m par putt on the 18th green for his win.
Next week’s final is scheduled for the Links. The Bombers will be looking for their fifth pennant title in a row, while Island Park will be looking to avenge last year’s 4-2 result and win the club’s first ever Senior A title.
- Michael Minty
