This week the Scratch team welcomed Wakefield GC on another evening of biblical rain and a course becoming almost unplayable set up for an exciting night. Wakefield fielded a typically strong side with two plus 1 handicap players and a plus 6 handicap, yes you have read that correctly. Pontefract’s team for the night was Tom Hough, Ross Andrew and Ryan Green. First out was the inform Tom Hough against an opponent off plus 1. Tom started well and in difficult conditions settled better into the match also fairing much better on the greens than his playing partner. Tom remained focused continuing to put the pressure on the Wakefield player and found himself 2 up at the turn and in control, this would remain the case for the remainder of his match eventually going on to win 3&2, another fantastic performance against a top player. Second out was Ross who was drawn the short straw against a plus 6 handicap, it was never going to be easy but Ross found himself quickly 4 down thru 6 making a couple of mistakes halving 2 holes with birdies. A birdie on 9 and a ground out 10th saw Ross pull it back to 2 which was short-lived, for his opponent to chip in on 12 for birdie. A gutsy par on 13 got Ross back to 2 down. A birdie on 15 following a superb chip in from the Wakefield player saw the match go dormy 3, a birdie on 16 wasn’t enough to keep the match alive as a birdie, birdie finish saw Ross go down 3&2. Last out was Ryan fresh from his debut last week and was out against a plus 1 player. Off to a steady start and finding targets, Ryan was playing very steadily but the putter not quite working for him on greens that were holding significant water. The difference ultimately in the game coming down to short game of which his opponent made some superb up and downs and was managing to find the hole with the putter. Ryan stuck in and unfortunately lost 5&3. It was fantastic to see so many people out on the course supporting both the Scratch team and Nett team and its a welcome sight seeing members out encouraging the teams. Congratulations to the Nett team on another fantastic win continuing their excellent start to the season. The Scratch Team’s next match is 7th June at home to Wike.
