Reports written by Leigh Carpenter
Semi Final
RA senior pennant team played in the semi-final on Monday against Mount Osmond.
In a drama filled day RA was defeated 4/3 by Mount Osmond after the final two matches went into extra holes.
With 5 matches completed RA was trailing 2 matches to 3. Dan Madigan and Gavan Fox both solid winners. Tim Pozza was one up playing the 18th and Eddie Bell was one down. Eddie played the hole beautifully to secure a par and win the hole. Tim also played the hole well but was beaten by his opponents extraordinary up and down from the front bunker. So both matches now square and off to the 19th.
Eddie managed to win the 19th to tie everything up at 3 all. Tim and his opponent tied 19 and 20 but the quirky Thaxted greens eventually got Tim and he was defeated on the 21st.
A fantastic battle played in great spirit!
2025 awaits!
A big thanks to everyone who represented Royal Adelaide with distinction throughout the year and to those that caddied for the team.
Week 6
The final minor round of Senior Pennant was played this Monday at Flagstaff Hill.
Royal Adelaide played Grange in the match to determine who would finish top of the division.
RA jumped out early with Greg Chappell and Terry Thornton leading strongly after the first nine. Rob Manton and Gavan Fox were also narrowly up, with the other games close.
Strong back nines from the experienced Greg, Rob, Gavan and Terry secured the necessary 4 games for a great team victory and confidence heading into the finals.
We now face Mount Osmond in a semi-final match next Monday at Thaxted Park with a grand final spot awaiting the victor. The other semi final will be between Grange and West Lakes.
Anyone interested in supporting the team or caddying on the day would be most welcome.
Week 5
The Royal Adelaide Senior Pennant team bounced back this week to defeat Flagstaff Hill 5.5 to 1.5 in a match played at West Lakes.
It was a strong performance against a danger team and means that we will finish no worse than second in the division.
Grange is currently in top position on game difference with one minor round to go. We face Grange in the final minor round game with the winner finishing in top position.
Winners were Dan Madigan, Tim Pozza, Gavan Fox, Eddie Bell and Leigh Carpenter. Rod Phillips, playing at number one, halved his match.
Week 4
Royal Adelaide faced Aston Hills at home this Monday and were severely brought down to earth! The team lost 6/1 with Greg Chappell the only winner in a pretty comprehensive defeat. Most of the team were playing Aston Hills for the first time, but local knowledge around the greens was the difference for the home team.
We still sit second on the ladder and huge upsets in the other games definitely help our finals cause.
Next week we face Flagstaff Hill at West Lakes and a win would be season defining for us. For those not familiar with Aston Hills (formerly Mount Barker) it’s a real gem in the hills, well worth making the trip up the freeway. Beautifully presented and a great club house and friendly staff.
Week 3
Royal Adelaide hosted the Senior Pennant Division 2 teams on Monday. The course was superbly presented and all teams were excited to have the opportunity to play such a fantastic course. Royal Adelaide took on Mount Osmond at home and eventually prevailed 5/2.
Despite the scoreline, the match was close, with several matches tightening up in the closing stages. Early winners were Leigh Carpenter, Gavan Fox and David Cherry so one more point was needed to secure the win. The remaining three games went down the 18th with Rob Manton securing a half and No 1 player Dan Madigan, and number 2 player Rod Phillips, both playing superb golf to hold out the opposition. Dan prevailing 2 up and Rod securing a halved match.
The win means we are undefeated and puts in strong shape for the season and a tilt at the title.
A special thanks to Ali White for acting as starter for all the matches and Tony Newman for providing his rules expertise throughout the day and to all the staff in the pro shop for their assistance.
Next week we face Aston Hills on their course in another must win match.
