Bombers leave rest flailing

The Otago Bombers have fired a shot in the arm of the Metropolitan senior A competition after a resounding 5-1 victory over Taieri Lakes on Saturday.

The top-ranked Balmacewen side continued where it left off before the Covid-19 lockout. It put a three-point gap on club side Otago B52s which become only the second team in the competition to claim three points with a 4-2 win over Chisholm Links.

Island Park and St Clair fought out another tie, the second for each of them, leaving them tied for third on points and games after two rounds.

At Taieri the host team fought gamely before being overwhelmed by the Bombers top order.

Taieri No6 Matt Mercer drew first blood, defeating John McIntee. But the two games that went the distance would ultimately prove the difference, with Bombers No5 Brandon Hodgson and No4 Duncan Croudis securing victories on the last green while Nick Borren, Tyrone Ratahi and Ben Patston put the result beyond doubt for the visitors.

At Island Park, Southland representative Matt Tautari took an instant liking to the Waldronville course, making light work of St Clair captain Matt Crawford 7 and 6, and finishing six under the card in 12 holes.

St Clair No6 Kade Haley-Broderick, on debut, responded emphatically defeating Park captain Michael Minty 4 and 3.

Park No4 Monty Wong wrestled momentum back in the home side’s favour. However, wins for the rejuvenated Chris Idour and Joseph Hancock over seasoned performers Phil Bungard and Michael Smith respectively meant the result hinged on the No5s, Mike Wray and Callum White.

With Wray 1-up heading up the final hole, both found the green. Wray held his nerve, holing a 2m putt to win the match and earn his side a 3-3 draw.

At Balmacewen, second place on the ladder was up for grabs. Despite Chisholm Links No6 Matt Heaton registering the first win and No5 Sean Geary halving with Glen Christie, it was the home team’s middle order that held the ascendancy with Matt Weir, Howard Maxwell and Tom Lee securing the result with dominant margins. The final match between Paul Hubbard and McKenzie Gibson finished all square on the last green.

All teams will play this Saturday and Sunday in an attempt to fast-track the season before the worst of winter arrives. Two wins for any of the chasing pack will go far in securing a semifinal spot.

Results.—

Otago B52s 4, Chisholm Links 2 (Paul Hubbard halved with McKenzie Gibson, Tom Lee beat Michael Weastell 6 and 5, Howard Maxwell beat Jason Pegler 4 and 3, Matt Weir beat Peter Rae 5 and 3, Glen Christie halved with Sean Geary, Will Young lost to Matt Heaton 2 and 1).

Island Park 3, St Clair 3 (Michael Smith lost to Joseph Hancock 3 and 2, Matt Tautari beat Matt Crawford 7 and 6, Phil Bungard lost to Chris Idour 3 and 2, Monty Wong beat Luke Worthington 4 and 3, Mike Wray beat Callum White 1up, Michael Minty lost to Kade Haley-Broderick 4 and 3).

Taieri 1, Otago Bombers 5 (Hayden Robertson lost to Ben Patston 4 and 3, Mark Andrews lost to Tyrone Ratahi 2 and 1, Ken Shaw lost to Nick Borren 2 and 1, Ryan Rosevear lost to Duncan Croudis 1 down, Blair Bennett lost to Brandon Hodgson 1 down, Matt Mercer beat John McIntee 3 and 2).

 - Michael Minty