Oh so close to Encourage Shield

Published January 27, 2017 19:06

The Shelly Beach Encourage Shield team of Max Doherty, Jed Dunsmore, James Linnet, Jye Crowe, Lochie Allison, Cooper Hetherington, Jess Lamaro & Riley Stewart went oh so close to capturing the JNJG NSW Encourage Shield after they secured a place in the final by beating Oatlands in the semi final at Newcastle Golf Club on Monday 22 January.

Things did not look all that flash after 9 holes in the semi final with Oatlands reaching the turn ahead in 5 of the six matches and square in the other. However, after coming so far through the preliminary rounds Shelly Beach didn't intend giving up and over the next 9 holes staged a remarkable comeback to finish the 18 holes all square with 3 matches each.  The number 1 players went down the 19th hole and Cooper Hetherington handled the pressure holing a 6 footer for the win and took Shelly Beach into the final on Tuesday 23 January.

Against Northern Rivers DGA another tight contest was anticipated and in fact was probably a little tighter given that both the number 1 and 2 players needed extra holes to determine a result. Cooper Hetherington, playing number 1 for Shelly Beach had to go 2 extra holes in the final and after giving his first putt on the 20th green every opportunity to drop unfortunately missed the return putt and the Shield went north.

The matches were played in extremely hot conditions  on a golf course that many senior players have difficulty with and it is testimony to the Shelly Beach youngsters belief in their own games that saw them able to mount a terrific fightback on the first day and to provide such a challenge to Northern Rivers in the final. Shelly Beach Golf Club, and indeed the entire Central Coast ,can be rightly proud of our youngsters and there is little doubt that the future of golf on the Coast is in good hands.
Congratulations to all of the kids that played for Shelly Beach, not only in the final but right throughout the tournament. You should all be very proud!

Congratulations also to Shelly Beach Vice Captain, Michael Lamaro, who guided and encouraged the kids, not only Shelly Beach but all who played in the Encourage Shield in 2016.

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