Sloan team pipped by Golden Downs

Our Sloan trophy team gave defending champions Golden Downs a stern test before losing narrowly at Murchison on Sunday (Feb 23).

In warm conditions, we succumbed 6.5-2.5 to be winless after two rounds.

Mike Williams - making his season debut at No 6 - had to give his opponent four shots and soon found himself in a world of trouble after an outward 52. Five down at the turn, he steadied the ship and shot a fine 39 for his second nine to take the match to the last hole before losing 1- down. Some short game lapses proved crucial in the end.

Our Sloan veteran Lewis Wilson showed his experience in grinding out a 2/1 win after being 1-up after nine, with his chipping a big factor in his victory.

Gareth Edwards made his first Sloan match a memorable one by surviving a tense last five holes for a 2-up win. Shooting an 81 playing off a 10 handicap, Gareth - who drove well and was consistent with his wedges into the green - made a strong start to be five-up at the midway mark before holding on as his opponent made some big putts to cut the deficit. 

Aaron Kotua couldn't replicate his excellent club form. Six down after nine, he ended up getting smoked 7/6 on a day when nothing much went right and he shot 90 playing off a 9-handicap.

No 2 Pete Green battled to a half in a match that was always tight. One down at the turn against an opponent he had to give three shots to, Pete hung in there well. He was solid tee to green, but his putter was cold in a 75 off the stick.

All rested on the outcome of our No 1 James Campion's encounter. All square after nine after scrambling well, some chipping and putting lapses on the back nine proved his undoing in a 3/2 loss against a rival who played par golf and putted well. James' ended up signing for a four over 75.

In other results, Takaka thumped Greenacres 8-1, Totaradale accounted for Tasman 7-2 and Motueka shaded Nelson 6.5-2.5

So after two rounds, Motueka lead with 15.5 points, with Totaradale and Takaka sharing second on 14.5. Next are Nelson (9), Golden Downs (6.5), Tasman (4.5), Waahi Taakaro (4) and Greenacres (3.5). Murchison is yet to get off the mark.

The next round is at Tasman on March 23 where we play Greenacres.