Published March 13, 2019 13:48
Wyong were hopeful of having a clean sweep of all grades and retaining the Sterland Shield leading into the finals played on Sunday 10 March however, the leading Clubs from the other Division were hell bent on making sure that didn't happen.
The "A" grade final between long standing rivals Shelly Beach and Wyong was played at The Springs and the day didn't go well for the Wyong boys. Shelly Beach proved far too strong and captured the pennant with officials calling a halt (perhaps invoking the mercy rule) when Shelly Beach had 4 matches in their pocket.
Toukley and Wyong met at Shelly Beach in the "B"grade and the Wyong boys jumped from the blocks to take commanding leads through the early holes. Not deterred by the early setback, the Toukley team demonstrated great courage fighting back to take the matches well into the back 9 but in the end the early lead was too difficult to overcome and the "B" Pennant was off to Wyong.
The "C" grade final between Everglades and Wyong was played at Toukley and there were plenty of nerves on display during the early holes from players from both sides. Played in great spirit, and with fluctuating fortunes, the matches were all pretty tight at the turn but then the Wyong team turned on the afterburners and jumped to unassailable leads in the first few holes of the back 9 winning their Clubs 2nd pennant for the season.
As one would expect reaching the final in all 3 grades ensured Wyong retained the Sterland Shield.
The Junior title went to Everglades who had to sit out a nervous last round (they had the bye) before being declared the 2019 Champions.
The Association was pleased that 5 of our Clubs could field teams in the Junior Pennant this year (last year a composite team was called upon to make up the numbers) and although some of the players were very young the experience will do wonders for their confidence and we look forward to watching these budding stars in future years.
What was especially pleasing was the number of young girls taking part this year, some already accomplished and some still learning the fundamentals of the game. The Clubs should all be very proud of their young members and of the work being done by their Professionals and volunteers in bringing these players of the future through the Clubs development programmes.
Congratulations to all of the winning teams and to all of the other players who played in the series this year and contributed in no small way to its success.