Roach on fire early at Australian Amateur

BY Bruce Young | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2007 Australian Amateur Championship | 28 Mar 2007

Semi-Finals Photo Gallery

Justin Roach may only be ranked 179 in the world amateur rankings, but you would not have thought that as he quickly disposed of Scotland’s Lloyd Saltman 4 & 3 this morning to progress to the afternoon semi-final against Steve Lewton. Earlier Lewton was too strong against Matt Jager, winning 2 & 1.

After three holes Lewton had edged ahead 2 up after 3, and appears to be taking the wind out of Roach’s sail.

Lewton, ranked 30th in the world, is exhibiting the same form that won him the Avondale and NSW Medal earlier in the year. The Englishman’s ball striking has been pure and in his morning match against Matt Jager, he sunk putts at critical times, no better than on the 13th where he drained a testing 10 footer on the 13th to remain 2 up. Lewton went on to win his morning match 2 & 1.

Daniel Nisbet was too strong in his match against Leigh Deagan, winning 6 & 4. Nisbet, who took out the 2006 Australian Junior Order of Merit through wins in the Tasmanian Junior Masters and Queensland Junior Championship, is currently against local player Rohan Blizard, who brought Rudi Bezuidenhout’s championship to an end, winning 1 up in the morning quarter final.

Currently Nisbet and Blizard are all square during the early stages of their semi-final. Nisbet has the momentum from his morning round and the 16-year-old is playing well above his years.

Photo – Anthony Powter