The Otago Bombers maintained their grip on top of the Metropolitan Senior Pennant series after a hard-fought away win to Island Park while St Clair and Chisholm Links all recorded wins on Saturday.
The Bombers lead by 2.5 games ahead of St Clair, both with 3 wins. The Otago B52s lead the chasing pack with a superior games tally but tied on points with Chisholm Links and Taieri with 1 win, while Island Park remain winless.
At Island Park both sides were missing a number of regular players making either team almost impossible to label a favourite despite the Bombers coming out victors 4-2
4 matches went to the final green to decide the fixture after wins to Tony Brown and Tom Griffin proving a handy advantage to the visiting Bombers outfit.
The battle of the No 6s proved decisive — both on debut. Jack Gallie (Bombers), son of Millbrook professional Ben Gallie, won the last hole for a crucial half with Dan Wright while Ryan Rosevear (Bombers) held of Oliver Devereux to win 1 up to give the Bombers the result.
Island Park secured bonus games at the top of the order through Michael Minty defeating Callum Judkins and Brent Butler halved with Ricky Stewart on the final green.
At Balmacewen, Chisholm Links score their first win of the season defeating the Otago B52s 3.5-2.5, no doubt benefiting from a sighter around the course in round 1 against the Bombers.
Kyle Geary secured the first win for the visitors defeating Oamaru import Riki Bush in 15 holes.
Fellow Oamaruvian Lachlan Coutts replied for the B52s defeating Kai Koni on the 18th 1 up while Mackenzie Gibson added a 2nd win for the visitors before Jason Pegler came from behind to defeat Southland representative George Prendergast on the final green.
John McIntee (Links) again proved too tough at his former course with a 1 up victory over Lewis Harper while Michael Weastell (Links) holed a long putt on the 18th to halve with Brian Helton.
At St Clair, a changing of the guard is in order with a couple of juniors coming to the fore in the Saints' 4-2 victory over Taieri Lakes.
But it was St Clair senior club champion Jake Bleach leading the way, despite a slow start to his season, with a resounding 6/5 win over Blair Bennett .
Saints juniors Albie Reed and debutant Harvey O’Neill recorded wins over Jack Kennelly and Mark Andrews respectively, putting the result almost beyond doubt before Logan Clarke clinched the result over Jarred Haig 2/1.
Taieri picked up a couple of bonus games. Jarrod Mitchell beat Scott Mitchell 1-up, while the rejuvenated Hayden Robertson is proving a key acquisition this season, defeating Will Summers 2/1.
By Michael Minty
