Week 1 of Winter League – Review
Liam Buckley presents the winners prizes to Watty Kenny, Michael Scally & Martin Carter
In what can only be described as “wintery” conditions, 24 brave souls took to the tee-box last Sunday to compete in the opening week of the 2014 Joe Bray Winter League. It is a measure of the respect that everyone had for the late Joe Bray that this competition has grown from strength to strength over the past few years and it is indeed a very suitable season opener for the members of Collinstown.
In this v-par competition, an early show of strength was displayed from pre-tournament favourites, Martin Carter’s team when they shot an incredible 15 up score (15 under par) in the opening 18 holes. Martin and his team, Mick Scally and Watty Kenny led by two shots at this stage from Tom Archbold’s team who had +13. Tommy’s team consists of himself, Maurice Middleton and Paddy Gorman – also a team that the bookies highly fancy. In third place at this stage was John Browne, Kevin Flanagan and Charlie Nolan (Charlie was subbing for the absent Des Carter). John’s team had shot a very respectable +11.
The opening 18 holes is played over a gross scramble format but the second 18 is where the format changes. Each member of the 3 person team must play out their own ball but only one of the three needs to make a two to win the hole. Shots are also involved on holes, depending on the individuals handicap. The scoring in the second round was nothing short of amazing considering the driving bitter cold wind that was blowing across the Collinstown course.
Tommy Archbold’s team put the pressure on in the second round by recording a 14 up score for a total of +27. Martin Carter’s team was not to be outdone though. Martin himself holed a 10 footer across the break on the final hole to record a team total of +28. This was to end up the winning score for the day and indeed it was a very admirable score given that the all-time record score is +30.
John Browne’s team consolidated their third place position with a total of +24. Mention must be given to Darren Reilly’s team for equalling the best second round score of +14 – Darren’s team finished on +22. Also special mention must go to new member Paul Isdale who stepped into the breach at the last minute to fill in for a late withdrawal – thanks Paul.
Also a special word of thanks to Niall Conaty from Costcutters in Collinstown for his kind sponsorship of all three weeks of the group stages – thanks Niall!
The top three teams after three weeks of play will contest the final so its all to play for yet. Week 2 of the competition is on February 9th at 12.30 pm.