Moore Park secures Sydney Pennant Final
IN: News | New South Wales Mens | Sydney Schweppes Major Pennant Final (2008) | Grand Final | by Anthony Powter | 18 May 2008
Moore Park has claimed the Sydney Major Pennant flag over Pymble, with a 5&2 victory in the Grand Final of the Sydney Major Pennant. Only last year Moore Park was denied victory by The Australian, following a rather slow start by their opening players.
It was a mistake Moore Park was determined not to repeat this year, as its opening players in today’s Grand Final were quick to secure wins and give the top order the confidence to secure the win.
“We learnt a bit after The Australian got away early in last year’s final,” remarked Harry James, Moore Park’s Team Manager.
“Earlier in the week I emailed all the guys and reminded them to get away quick and to get that momentum, so the upper guys could feed off it.”
Moore Park’s Aaron Hart at number 7 was the first to strike, winning his match 1-up over seasoned Pennant player, Britton Cross. Adam Kempt then provided Moore Park with a two match buffer, recording a solid 4&3 win over Pymble’s Chris Johns.
James, in his third year as Team Manager, was quick to highlight after the final where Moore Park’s strength been this Pennant season.
“Where we’ve really played well is with the bottom players, who’ve given the top guys the momentum to get us over the line. Today we made amends for last year, we were able to get out early and it obviously worked.”
Moore Park’s fifth player, Grant Thomas proved too strong for Pymble’s Craig Green, securing his match 4&3, and with three matches out of seven all ready accounted by mid-morning, the young Pymble team, which has four players under 18, was facing a huge challenge to get back into the final.
“We thought we had a chance, but knew today would be difficult,” said David Stuart, Pymble’s Team Manager.
“Coming into the final the team had played some great golf, particularly with the win over The Australian in the Division Final and New South Wales in the Semi-final. It just did not happen to us our there today, but that’s golf.”
When Moore Park’s number three, Brent Watson accounted for Adam Verity, 5&4, the Sydney Major Pennant Flag had returned to Moore Park following a 20-year absence. The sound of cheers from the strong Moore Park following could be heard across the majestic Elanora Country Club. It’s sound sending a shuttering chill to the remaining Pymble players on the course as they knew the flag had been lost.
Upon hearing the result, Pymble’s Captain and number four, Guy Wall turned to his opponent, Jason Barby and following a brief discussion, the pair agreed to half their match, leaving Barby undefeated for the season.
Pymble certainly was a match toughened team heading into today’s final, with numerous matches and wins against traditionally strong Sydney Pennant teams like NSW, The Australian and Mona Vale. A relatively young side, they are sure to remain a dominant force in years to come.
State Colt player Luke Humphries, who played most of the year as Pymble’s number two, remained undefeated in two seasons of Sydney Pennant golf. Humphries’ match with Luke Henwood ending in unusual circumstances with officials ceasing the match on the 17th hole, where Humphries was 1-up with a hole to play and declaring the match all-square.
The rationale was to enable the presentation to commence as the outcome was already determined. In a show of true sportsmanship, Henwood later conceded the match 1-up, stating his opponent had been up in the match all day and deserved the win. The top order of Brendan Smith and Grant Scott agreed to halve their match.
It was Moore Park’s depth and experience that got them across the line this season. Most played last year’s final and had returned determined not to let another chance slide. Aside from Jason Barby, who won all his matches, no Moore Park player lost more than one match during the season.
When a team has the combination of both experience and consistency, like Moore Park exhibited all season, they will always be a dominant force. In Moore Park’s case, it was their sixth Sydney Major Pennant flag and many would say, it was well deserved.
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