Takaka takes Country Clubs title

Takaka will have its name etched on the Country Clubs Trophy yet again as it took full advantage of playing at home.

In excellent conditions on a well prepared course, the Takaka 2 team of J Riordan, G Row, D win and M Emms won five, halved three and lost only two of their 9-hole four ball best ball matches on Saturday and Sunday to finished on 13 points.

This was just one ahead of the trio Takaka 1, Greenacres 1 and Totaradale who all totalled 12 points.

Another three teams - Greenacres 2, Tasman 1 and a composite side - were next on 11 points.

The new format of playing 9-hole matches so teams played more of their competitors seemed to win general support.

Waahi Taakaro's two teams didn't have the best over the weekend. Team 1 comprising Andy Isle, Lewis Wilson and Keri and Aaron Kotua were back in the pack on 10 points. Andy and Lewis put in a good effort to end with three wins, a half and a loss, but the Kotua brothers could only managed three halves and two losses.

Our team 2 of Peter Green Jonathan Tuheke, Neil McLaren and Garth Jameson could only muster 7 points  to finish near the back of the 18-team field. Pete and Jono lost a number of tight matches to end with just one win and four defeats, while Neil and Garth ended with a satisfactory win, three halves and a loss.

Waahi Taakaro's Peter Watson and his Totaradale partner Jim Newport played for the composite team formed to prevent a bye and fashioned a creditable record of three wins, a half and a loss.

Our thanks go to tournament organisers Johnny Corbett and Gazza Oldham and to greenkeeper Dave Win and the Takaka club for putting in the hard yards and for their hospitality.

Next year's tournament is at Nelson.