The weather may have been in stark contrast to last week’s bitterly cold blast but results went to script as the run home to the metropolitan senior A finals began at the weekend.
Leading duo St Clair Saints and Otago Bombers recorded wins away from home to remain first and second on the ladder respectively, while Taieri Lakes walloped Island Park 6-0 out on the Taieri to improve their position.
The Lakes’ season game tally received a huge boost against Island Park, who were on the verge of default. The whitewash now pushes Taieri ahead of the Otago B52s into fourth spot.
The top Lakes duo of Blair Bennett and Hayden Robertson secured big wins early before the tail of Josh Boath and Jarred Haigh defeated Karl Horsnell and Steve Warrington, who were late callups.
Only Mark Andrews and Jarrod Mitchell were forced to go at least 16 holes before overcoming Matt Chiles and Michael Minty respectively.
At Balmacewen, the B52s put up a decent effort to earn 2.5 games against the Saints but ultimately class came to the fore.
The home side won the bottom-order battle with Brian Helton and George Prendergast earning wins, while Will Summers’ half against Andrew Hobbs would prove the difference for the Saints.
Parker Aluesi (Saints) led the comeback, beating Lachie Coutts 6/5, before Connor Howes and Albie Reed finished strongly with wins to secure the team’s 3.5-2.5 victory.
At Chisholm Links, the Otago Bombers had to earn their victory in similar fashion.
Blair Liffiton drew first blood for the Links at No 6 over Tom Griffin before Kai Koni and Tony Brown fought out a half for both sides, with Brown nailing a key 5m putt on the last.
Brandon Hodgson secured the visitors’ first win before John McIntee (Links) squared the ledger, and Ryan Rosevear and Ben Patston claimed wins to give the Bombers a narrow 3.5-2.5 victory.
— Michael Minty
