McDonnell Cup V Rush
Mc Donnell Cup Quarter Final V Rush 30th June
Sutton 3.5 Rush 1.5
The arranging of this match was certainly not completed in a “rush”, with delays in agreeing on dates to play the game, various queries about course availability and Rush seeking a 2 week extension from the organising committee. Nevertheless the game was fixed for Deadline Day of 30th June.
Despite all of the above, the match was contested in a strong sporting spirit with both teams out for the win. The hospitality shown to us by Rush for practice and on match day on their course was exemplary and likewise they received a cordial welcome in Sutton.
After a titanic battle Sutton turned out what looked like an unlikely result after 9 holes, into a resounding 3.5 to 1.5 win, with the final two matches on the course reaching the 18th green. The efforts of all 10 players on the day was immense and every pair played their part and more importantly showed true SGC Spirit and communicated and dovetailed very well.
Firstly we must thank the loyal band of supporters who came out in force in Sutton to support the team which certainly helped us. When the tide turned on the back 9, Rush began to really feel the pressure. It was great to see members of the players “usual weekly fourballs” and friends follow the matches around. The ever-presents Aidan and Derek D were in their usual spots. Vice-Captain Mark graced us with a rare home appearance also, as he is normally at the away venue. Captain Larry visited Rush and was in Sutton for the winning putt.
The afternoon began with very strong south easterly winds in both locations, making conditions very difficult. The first hole in Sutton was very challenging and the length of the Rush drives provided them with an early advantage in all three home games. The “relative calmness“ on the 2nd 9, as regards the wind was the genie that the Sutton players needed.
First out in Sutton were the “virgin pairing” of Robert Lyons Jnr and Bryan Gaffney who despite losing the 1st hole, were well ahead leaving Connor’s field and never relinquished the lead after that. The match was over on the 16th with a storming 3 Up win. This pairing looked as if they had been partners for years and certainly led the team from the front. Rob’s new health regime is certainly working.
Martin Griffin making his McDonnell Cup debut partnered John Flanagan in the 2nd game and after a rocky start and an unfortunate “ self-enforced injury” to John on the 5th hole, the pair appeared to be in deep trouble and were 4 down coming toward the end of the front 9. Thankfully Nurse Aidan came to the rescue on the 9th hole and offered “advice and assistance to John”. They fought back to be 2 Down on the 11th and miraculously came out of Connor’s field 1 up. The Rush pairing did not know what had hit them. This lead was maintained with some clutch putts and the game concluded with Sutton 1 ahead on the 18th. Even I as the manager was counting this game as a likely loss at 5.30pm. I should have had more confidence in my selections.
Match 3 on the course was the ever calm Tim Savage and the “sleepwalker” Paul Leech fully recovered from his injuries. There was some exceptional golf in this game with pars being the norm. Even Rush Manager “Andy” sinking a putt from 15 yards off the green on the 2nd for a win did not ruffle the home pairing. Tim and Paul stuck to their task and comfortably won 2 up on 17. Simultaneously Brian Nevin in Rush was getting a par on 18 to half his match, but the Sutton result meant no extra holes were needed in Rush.
A fantastic fightback by the home team brought about a resounding 3-0 home win. Off the course the highlight for the players was when recent Captain’s Prize winner and Celebrity “The Lar” posed for a picture with the winning sextet behind the 18th.
Meanwhile in Rush, two away pairings competed over Rush’s 9-hole links. Rush extended a warm welcome to the Sutton visitors. Noel O’Halloran, assisted by Tom Hennebry and Brian Cole supported the team in Rush where Captain Larry and Brian McDonnell also attended.
Match One: John O’ Mahony and Dan O’Grady faced a tough challenge against Rush’s top pairing. Rush surged ahead, four up after four, and led by six after twelve. Dormie 6 down, Sutton weren’t beaten and put in a strong and spirited comeback all the way to being dormie 2 down. Rush secured the win when both sides got pars on the par 3 17th.The home crowd were mightily relieved and surely a moral victory for the Sutton men!
Match Two: Brian Nevin and Justin Ray took on Rush’s second pairing in a nail-biter. All square after nine, Sutton went two down after twelve but battled back to finish all square. Some fantastic golf played with Brian and Justin showing strong communication and teamwork throughout. The match ended on 18 with both sides exchanging battling pars on holes 16,17 & 18. No extra holes were required as the win was secured in Sutton, so both teams shook hands.
Both the Home and Away teams met up briefly in SGC for “sambos” after the game, but everyone was drained after an exhausting day on the course, everybody had left by 10.15 so no bar extension was required. Hope the early to bed regime continues.
We are now through to the Semi Finals of the competition and eagerly await details of the draw later this week. Well Done everyone and here’s hoping we will have a full squad available for the next match.
PS Finaly there was a special occasion after the game when. Captain Larry presented Bryan Gaffney with two prizes from Captain’s Day, yes 2 not 1. The Veterans Prize and Nearest the Pin. Well done Bryan.
