Sloan team still in contention after bye

Our Sloan team remains in contention after the bye on Sunday (August 9) but faces crunch matches against the two front runners in the last two rounds.

Motueka did us a big favour by upending the previous leader, Greenacres, at a sunny Waahi Taakaro, with Totaradale taking over the lead after an easy win over Murchison.

With two rounds to go, four teams still have a good chance of winning. We slide to third, seven and a half points off the lead.

Players generally found scoring tough off the blue tees in the heavy conditions, with only a handful shooting under or near their handicaps. Golden Downs' Trevor Timpson scored the only two of the day.

Golden Downs ended Takaka's slim hopes with a comprehensive 7 1/2 to 1 1/2 victory.

Totaradale - who are still to have their bye - leapt from third into a handy lead with a 8 1/2 to 1/2 crushing of Murchison.

Motueka kept their chances very much alive by downing Greenacres 7 to 2 who slip to second, while Nelson improved their faint hopes with a 6 1/2 to 2 1/2 win over Tasman.

After seven of nine rounds, Totaradale leads on 38.5 points followed by Greenacres (34), Waahi Taakaro (31), Motueka (30.5), Nelson (27.5), Takaka (27.5), Golden Downs (26.5), Tasman 17, Murchison 13.5.

The next round at Takaka on September 6 sees Golden Downs play Tasman, Murchison take on Greenacres, Waahi Taakaro do battle with Totaradale and Motueka and Nelson lock horns.

The last round is at Totaradale where we play Greenacres.

If we are to lift the trophy we need to win both matches against tough rivals. Good luck guys.