Our first match of the season was played at Sandy Creek against Mid North with a very early tee time of 8:00am. It was a fresh start to the morning and, unfortunately, a little too chilly to show off our beautiful new Grange Centenary tops until a few holes in.
The course was presented in excellent condition and full credit goes to the staff and the many volunteers who prepared the course.
It was a very close contest all morning.
Kaylah Tran played her first Pike Cup match and what a game she produced, winning 2 & 1. Kaylah showed great composure and skill — a wonderful young talent for Grange.
Ann Schaefer demonstrated that even when you’re not striking the ball at your best, perseverance pays off. She was 1 up after nine, then found herself 1 down coming to the 18th, where she fought back to square the match.
Rachel Arnott went down 2 on the 18th but pushed her opponent all the way. A standout moment came on the 15th, a par 3, where both players found the bunker. Mid North played first and produced a superb bunker shot that finished just next to the hole. Under pressure, Rachel responded with an equally impressive bunker shot that also finished right beside the hole.
Lucy Keylock, now in her second Pennant season, secured a convincing 4 & 3 win. She was 1 up coming down the 9th and was disappointed with her approach and first putt. Lucy quickly regrouped, sank a great putt to head into the back nine 2 up, and continued her strong play from there.
Sarah Sanders, our 2004 Grange Sanderson Cup winner, faced her former Sanderson Cup teammate Sue Keylock. The match was tightly contested all day, but Sue managed to edge ahead of Sarah over the final holes to take the match 2 & 1 for Mid North.
We would also like to thank our wonderful caddies — Peter Sanders, Bruce Hedley, John Bannister, Tracy Moody and Zung Tran — for their support throughout the morning, especially for the early start to make it to Sandy Creek.
Well done, girls — Grange won 2.5 matches and Mid North won 2.5 matches.
Lee Sansom
Pike Cup Team Manager