Sloan team's hot streak continues

Our Sloan Trophy team climbed to third after a comprehensive win over Murchison at Takaka on Sunday, but Motueka look set to defend their title with just one round remaining.

It was our team’s fourth consecutive victory and continues a remarkable recovery from last place after four rounds.

It didn’t start well with No 6 Lewis Wilson losing two down after being behind by four at the turn. His fellow junior Geoff Halkett, who was two down with three to play, staged a brave fightback to claim a half.

Our intermediates again delivered, with No 4 ever reliable Dean Goodman thrashing his opponent 7/6 after racing out to a seven up lead at the halfway point. However, captain Keri Kotua was made to work much harder, coming back from being one down after nine to win the last for a one up win.  

The seniors then put the icing on the cake. Two up at the turn, Andy Isle cruised to a 5/4 win, while No 1 Peter Green won eight of his first nine holes to blow his rival away 7/6.

Our 7.5 to 1.5 win lifted us to third, six points behind Golden Downs, who saw their trophy hopes all but go down the gurgler after surprisingly losing to an improving Nelson team 6.5 to 2.5.

It means that Motueka – who comfortably disposed of Tasman 7.5 to 1.5 – carry an almost insurmountable eight point lead going into the final round at Motueka next Sunday (Sept 11).

In the other match, Greenacres took down Totaradale 7-2 in a mid-table battle.

So with just the one round remaining, Motueka lead with 52 points but can’t score anymore because of the bye. Golden Downs (44) would need a huge win to take the trophy. They are followed by Waahi Taakaro (38), Nelson (35.5), Totaradale (33) and Greenacres (32.5) in the battle for the minor places. Takaka (17.5), Tasman (16.5) and Murchison (16) are in a fight to avoid coming last.

Next Sunday we play Greenacres, while Golden Downs take on Totaradale, Nelson is up against Murchison and Tasman and Takaka do battle.