Wow!! What a day on Sunday. We had teams playing in the A1 and C2 finals, and now we have 2 more pennants to add to our wall, it doesn't get much better than that.
Our A1 team did it again for 3 pennants in a row!
Playing a final against Mount Barker at Lady Bay was a treat for both teams, and it was the first time the course has hosted a final. Our boys dug deep to keep out a determined Mount Barker-Hahndorf team, and it took our #4 Jamie Burt until the 20th hole to give us victory.
Wins to Mike Haslett 4/3, Brad Spaven 2/1 and Matt Hickman 2 up turned the game around for Echunga after 2 earlier matches went to Mount Barker. The 2 Captains Bill Guy and Justin Percy were fittingly fighting out a tight match at #2, but in the end it went to Justin on the 17th, and it was back to even at 3 games all.
Jamie, who was already heading to the 19th at this stage, probably didn't know it was all up to him, but soon found out, with all the Mount Barker-Hahndorf guys following on. He played tremendously over the extra holes and was conceded to on the 20th to give Echunga the Von Doussa Shield.
Without doubt the best player award goes to Jamie Burt with his nerve tingling 20th hole win, although from watching on, I can say it was more nerving than playing. Well done Jamie! You've done the whole club proud.
Our C2 team also had a fantastic victory!
Playing down at South Lakes, Captain Creagh Bedson along with Liam Carroll got the team off on the front foot with 6/5 and 6/4 wins respectively setting up the 5/2 win against Willunga.
With other wins to Mike Mattler 2 up, Warren Ryan 1 up and halves to Steve Nailer and Stuart Callery, this gave these boys a day to remember and what can only be described as a dominate performance for the season. Best player award goes to Captain Creagh Bedson for his 6/5 win.
With Mike, Liam and Stuart all having great seasons in their 1st year at the club, it would great to see them improve and move up a level or two next season. Also having the experience of Steve, Warren, Creagh helped these guys settle into match play golf in the perfect way.
I personally take great satisfaction from seeing this side go through undefeated and virtually unchanged from the original line up in round 1. Special mention to Russell Yeates who also had a solid pennant season, but missed selection in the final line up.
A1 Pennant Winners: Bill Guy (Captain), Matt Hickman, Andrew Keogh, Jase Hyland, Jamie Burt, Brad Spaven, Mike Haslett.