Old Hickory team has off day

Our Old Hickory team had a rare off day to finish a distant sixth in the latest round of the inter-club competition at Nelson (April 2).

Instead it was Takaka and Motueka who dominated on a beautiful day for golf.

Led by 36 stableford points each from Greg Ryan and G Allan, Takaka won with a total of 139 from Motueka who could thank a hot Mike Hay - who carded the best individual score of 39 - and Andrew Fenemor (34) for their 135 total.

Waahi Taakaro, on the other hand, were in danger of the popgun, but were bailed out by Dave Huntley (34) with support from Phil Sellers (31). Their other counters were Peter Watson and Barry Rhodes with a limp 27 points apiece. Bryan Ramsey (24) and captain Ian Hanford (23) ruined a good walk in the sun.

Totaradale finished third on the day with 127 points followed by Nelson (125) who failed to take advantage of benign home conditions. Next were Greenacres (124) with Robert Murray shining with 36 points, Waahi Taakaro (119), and Golden Downs-Redstone (118). Previous points leader Tasman took home the popgun with 116 points.

On a good day for scoring just four golfers out of a a field of 48 played to or better than their handicaps, with many struggling on the slick greens.

Three golfers - Dave Huntley, Greg Ryan and Lyn McKeown (Greenacres) - recorded twos.

So after three rounds, Motueka have taken over leadership of the Club of the Year race with 559 points. Tasman have slipped to second on 549, with Takaka breathing down their necks on 548. They are followed by Nelson (528) amd Waahi Taakaro (523). Next are Totaradale (512), Golden Downs- Redstone (494), with Greenacres languishing in last on 492.

The next round is at Motueka on May 7.