Junior Team vs Newbiggin

Report from Robert Hope ......Another great result for the Parklands Junior team as we faced the sea faring folk of Newbiggin by the sea. Whilst the Newbiggin juniors arrived with a large handicap advantage, it soon dissolved, as they felt the pressure of taking their first tee shot watched by a large crowd of Parklands supporters. Many thanks once again for all who gathered to see the Parklands Junior team in action.
The team would like to give a warm welcome back to our Captain, Daren Rushtom, who made his return to the team after spending a four week holiday in Malaysia. Darren played Newbiggin’s number one, four handicapper, Lee Warren. Despite the 6 shot difference, the game seemed evenly match, as neither player dominated the course. Finally, the game seemed to be heading to a Parklands victory, as Darren went one up on the 17th. Sadly a wayward tee shot cost Darren the full two points but with one point apiece, Parklands was off to a decent start.
Seconded to the tee was Ben Goldie playing five handicapper, Lee Lansbury, a relief for Ben who gladly handed the number one spot back to Darren. Ben hit a promising opening drive which ended up just short of the green, putting confidence on a high level. The match was a difficult one with the eight shot difference proving too great a challenge for Ben, who played bravely until defeat struck on the 15th green.
In our third group we had Oliver Hogg playing Kris Willis. Both players got off to a good start creating a keen atmosphere for the round. The match was even for most of the front nine, but fortunes changed and by the 14th it was dormie. Olly had to win every hole to win the match. Unfortunately, they halved the 15th hole, so the match was over, giving Newbiggin a four shot lead.
Playing position number four Robert Hope played Jonathan Cook. A worrying start for Robert as Jonathan drove the greenside bunker showing just how far he could drive from the tee. Sadly for Jonathon, the bunker kept his ball for a further four shots, whereupon he conceded the hole, giving Robert a great start. Once more, despite the handicap difference, the game was evenly matched until Robert finally found victory on the 16th green.
In group five was Tom Brooks playing Phil Holland. The match got off to a nervous start as both players found out of bounds on the left, meaning bogey or worse was going to win the hole. The match was ever changing with both players swapping the lead from time to time, until the back nine. Tom won the 16th to go Dormie 2, and Parklands could feel another win approaching. It was not to be, as Phil dug deep, won the final two holes, halving the match to leave the score Newbiggin 6, Parklands four.
With all riding on the final match of Wayne Mcculloch vs. Luke Jeffrey tensions were running high. Wayne got off to a strong start on the front nine staying constantly in the lead. Good luck continued on the back nine where Wayne had a putt to win the match on 14. It wasn’t to be, so the match continued for one more hole, where watched by the whole team, Wayne sunk the final putt on the 15th to win his match, and secure a draw for the team.
We can’t forget our team reserves and caddies who gave their support on the course, Joanna Rumney, Samantha Malone, Dean Lambert and Ryan Simpson, which was much appreciated
The match was halved Parklands 6 Newbiggin 6 a welcome improvement from our away match when Newbiggin won 10 – 2.
With luck Parklands will continue its successful run for the final two games of the season.

The Red Arrows also provided entertainment for the golfers from time to time, along with an assortment of fighter jets and helicopters – never a dull moment on the Park!