Albury’s long-running grasp on the Murray District Golf Association (MDGA) scratch pennant came to an end with Thurgoona claiming the coveted title at Corowa Golf Club on Sunday afternoon.
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The three-time defending champions were brought undone 5-2 by a classy Thurgoona outfit.
Thurgoona scratch captain Simon Hoppe was over the moon with the result which saw his side reverse the result of the last two finals where Albury had the better of them.
“It was a very well-deserved victory,” Hoppe said.
“All the boys put in and played extremely well. It was a great team effort from Thurgoona.”
Nathan Schneider won his match with Albury captain Nathan Boehm, 3 and 2, Daniel Mills was successful against Lachlan Stewart with a very solid performance, 2 and 1, Mark Emerson won three and two against Daniel Gill, Daniel Huggard was too strong for Greg O’Brien, 3 and 2, while Tim Purtill outclassed Bailey Stewart, 4 and 3.
Albury’s two points came from Anthony Toogood, who defeated Hoppe 4 and 2, along with David Martin, who was able to sneak home against Zach O’Collins, 2 and 1.
Schneider’s excellent day was capped off by claiming the MDGA Scratch Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, history was made as Holbrook edged out Jindera to claim the MDGA handicap pennant for the very first time, 4-3.
Holbrook, led by captain Gordon Webb, produced some excellent patches of golf to sneak through for victory.
However, Webb, who was on an undefeated run through the season, lost for the first time to Jindera’s Neil Britton, 4 and 3, which took many by surprise.
Despite the loss, Webb graciously accepted the Handicap Player of the Year award for his stellar performances in 2016.
All the boys put in and played extremely well. It was a great team effort from Thurgoona.
- Thurgoona scratch captain Simon Hoppe
In the other results, Graham Schilg defeated Holbrook’s Mark Winnett 3 and 2, while Jindera captain Stephen Kishere managed a one-up victory over Dutchman Karel Groenewoud.
Holbrook’s match-winning points came from a hard-fought 3 and 2 victory for Tony Castles over Craig McMillan, Allan Harrison recorded an impressive 5 and 3 win against Greg Kent, Warren Bender won two up against in a thrilling match-up with Simon Kilo, while John Scott romped to a massive 6 and 5 triumph against Stuart Miller.
Kilo and Bender were the final pair to finish their match, which meant if Kilo was able to win the final hole and square the match overall, the handicap pennant would have been forced into an extra hole playoff to decide the champion.
