SUFFOLK MATCHPLAY FINALS DAY

Sandwiched between days of downpours was a glorious day of sun which we managed to catch for the Suffolk matchplay finals at Bungay and Waveney Valley Golf Club.

We had fine weather, a great venue and some exciting match ups. In the morning semi-finals, the Juniors went out first with an in form Bailee Taylor facing Patrick Coffey and winning 4&3. Also, George Swallow playing 14 year old James Sadler. Sadler managed to force a play off and win!

The Seniors semi-finals also looked exciting. Roger Nicholson sadly struggled with injury meaning after 10 holes he’d have to hand the match to Simon Goldsmith. Roger Taylor on the other side of the draw managed an excellent win against County Champion Graham Sykes 3&2.

The Men played for the Presidents Mashie and again the matches looked strong. Jimmy Price, leading amateur from the Suffolk Open, took on fellow Felixstowe member Ben Sayers. This one also went to a play off and Ben snatched his place in the final on the 1st. Taylor Crisp and Russel Oakey went head to head in the other semi. Russells fast start meant a difficult chase for Taylor  and a 4&3 victory booked Russell his place in the final.

The Finals were thrilling. James Sadler always lead in the junior final against Bailee. That was right up until Bailee won 3 holes in a row to be all square standing on 18. The 18th hole at Bungay has a very tight OOB running down the left and Bailee found this out at his cost. This just meant James had to find the fairway with his tee shot and he did just that. Congratulations James, an excellent win.

The Goldsmith vs Taylor final looked very similar to the junior one. Taylor got up in the match early and stayed there right up until the end where Goldsmiths fight back gave him the opportunity to also stand on the 18th tee all square. On the last green both players stood over putts from that very awkward distance. After Goldsmith holed from 7 feet, Taylor just grazed the edge to hand a very fine victory to Simon Goldsmith. Well played Simon.

Coincidently, the Presidents Mashie final got under way just like the other matches with one player taking an early and commanding lead. That player was Ben sayers. An excellent birdie on 6 saw Sayers go 3 up and every time Russel Oakey hit back Sayers seemed to have an answer. The match had the quality worthy of a final and Sayers had that worthy of a winner as he closed out 3&2. Congratulations Ben, well played.

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