A windy demanding day for the final of the matchplay Noel Bucknall Cup between long time members and friends Michael Vadiveloo versus Mal Fettes. Michael seeking his first Board event win and Mal after his second.

The match was very competitive and close all day with 5 lead changes over the course of the day. Michael off to a steady start seeing him 2 up after 3 with Mal a little tentative early – perhaps a little nervous?

Mal settled quickly with 3 pars from 4-6 opposed to bogeys and saw him take the lead 1 up. A couple of short game errors on 7 and 8 from Mal and a halved 9th hole with pars saw Michael turn 1 up. Michael with a solid par on 10 goes to 2 up and lets just say 11 was halved – no golf commentary necessary!

Off to 13th hole and time for Michael’s short game to leave him and a great sand save win for Mal, followed by par wins on the 14th/15th – 3 wins in a row for the second time in the match for Mal and 1 up with 4 to play.

Mal managed to find some trouble on the 16th; back to square and Michael played his best shot for the day on the 19th hole with a lovely iron inside a metre to take back the lead. Mal was not going to be denied and fought hard however a good bunker shot on 17 from Michael and holing the 6 foot putt for par saw him win his initial board event 2 and 1. This was really a match that could have gone either way and a credit to both players for the spirit and manner in which it was conducted and played.

Also a thank you to all the players on course for your co-operation in allowing the match to play through.

To the bar for a well earned celebration with warm acknowledgment from all the members to both players and from our Captain on there achievement at the presentation – and yes Michael did ring the bell!

Well done to Mal on making the final but the day was Michael’s – congratulations on a great win.

Arthur Cox – Referee

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