The Junior Pennants competition got underway at Maungakiekie on Sunday morning.  We have a strong team and are looking to go one better this year after losing the final at The Grange against Titirangi last year.

 

Our 2 x Under 16 players were Andrew Meng & Manaaki McColl and they both played very well with each one winning 6/5.  They both shot an adjusted 72 and were only +2 after 13 holes of golf - no wonder they won!

 

Rakesh Patel and Tom Ritchie filled our mid order slots.  Tom was never threatened winning 8/7, and he was -1 after 11 holes when his match concluded.  Rakesh struggled early on after playing 36 holes the previous day and suffered a bit from cramps during the round, but he won 4 holes in row to complete a great comeback win by 3/2.

 

At the top of the order we had Mathew Weir and James Eng.  Mathew was also backing up from 36 holes the previous day, and started solidly to take the pressure off.  He also shot 72 to win 4/3.  James had a tougher match against the Whitford Park No.1 but also shooting 72 saw him win his match 2up on the final green.

 

A great start to the season with a clean sweep - 6-0!  The other results in our section:

Manukau 3.5 - Aviation 2.5

Maungakiekie 5 - Akarana 1.

 

Our 2 reserves enjoyed the experience of Youth Pennants - Andy Black and Kelvin Chiu.  We will need our strength in depth later in the competition when some players are unavailable.

 

Our next match is at Manukau against Aviation on June 9th.  We will be looking to secure a good win here to cement our position at the top of the section.