One of the most extraordinary A Grade Pennant matches took place at RGC last Sunday 29^th January!

1^ST ROUND WIN 5/2 FOR RGC

RGC welcomed the A Grade Pennant Team from Cabramatta Golf Club for the first round of the Pennant which commenced at 11am. The course, while in superb condition, was hit by successive overnight rainstorms which put all bunkers out of play.

Each team played 7 team members and a reserve: RGC no1 Craig Ellings/no 2 Trent McMillen/no 3 Damion Miller (C)/ no 4 Ian (Red) Davies/no 5 Jason Moss/no 6 Ti Fox/ no7 Dave Dennis and Reserve Reggie Papps.

Everything was going exceedingly well with Richmond leading in 6 of the matches on the turn. Then the weather set in!

Blinding rain, thunder and lightning ……Club Captain Frank Gal, called in the field who sheltered under the awning….it really was crazy. Captain Damo Miller’s ‘enthusiastic’ and strongly held view that the Pennant would ‘definitely’ proceed after the storm passed was only ‘slightly’ compromised when a bolt of lightning hit the Norfolk Pine next to the 18^th, setting it alight momentarily with the strike travelling from the top to the base, blowing out a small piece of concrete at the bottom.

Talk about drama!!  (The tree has been assessed ‘as dead’ and will be taken down asap for obvious safety reasons).

The teams waited for over two hours and only after a thorough safety check and course inspection, it was adjudicated that the Pennant could proceed. A special shout out to Patrick Murphy and Reggie Papps who, in consultation with Frank, took it upon themselves to get the necessary brooms to the squeegee over the remaining greens saturated with pools of water.  (Top job lads).

The wet conditions significantly changed the momentum of play however RGC’s team settled down in tough conditions for a brilliant 5/2 victory over Cabramatta:

*Craig went down 2/1 in a fine effort as no 1/Trent McMillen 1up/Damian Miller Square/Red Davies Square/Jason Moss 4/3w/Ti Fox 3/2w and Dave Dennis 3/2w. 

A fantastic result under the circumstances.

A special ‘pat on the back’ and well done to prestigious talent (14-year-old) Ti Fox, whose fine win on his debut, was appreciated by his teammates and supporters. It was noted also that Ti recently finished runner up in the Sydney Harvey Norman Week of Golf 14-15yrs boys division. He played on 5 different courses (90 holes of golf) to finish in a tie on 356 only to narrowly lose the event on the third playoff hole. Impressive indeed!!

Special thanks also to the caddies who assisted team members around the course, Pro shop & bar staff and especially Latish, who accommodated the teams with hot meals at 6pm with both captains speaking to the gathering, commenting on the good spirit and sportsmanship of the event. Also special thanks to the Richmond club Ltd who extended the closing time of the club to 7pm to facilitate the meal and the conclusion of the event. Bravo all around.

Rd 2 will be held at Cabramatta GC this coming Sunday 5^th February, 7am!!!

*Footnote: Congrats to Glen ‘Reno’ Reynolds one of the caddies for RGC A Grade Team who on Monday 30^th Jan won the over 65’s Senior Order of Merit (net result) at Wollongong GC with a 78/71 (h’c7). Bravo Reno…..(Super Senior Pennant in July)!!!

With thanks

Ian Jordan

Pennant Coordinator.

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