2013

MAITLAND JUNIORS MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

Maitland juniors made it two in a row, when they were victorious against the Vintage in the final played at Kurri. The final score of 3½ - 1½, indicated a close match, but the individual result in four of the matches  resulted in convincing wins.

The number fives led the teams out with Tom Etheridge from Maitland up against Lachlan Howells from The Vintage. Lachlan jumped out of the gates and skipped to a 3 up lead by the 6th hole. By the 11th hole Tom clawed his way back to square. From there it was a cat & mouse game with one or the other gaining a 1 up lead, only to drop the next hole. Coming to the final hole Tom had a one hole advantage, but Lachlan was not to be denied and won the hole with a birdie, to halve the match.

Pint sized Clayton Small proved too strong for Lewis Howells from the Vintage, and cleaned him up with a 5 & 4 victory. At the turn Clayton had a four hole lead and by the 12th hole had increased it to six. An uncharacteristic quadruple bogey on the 13th hole by Clayton was a temporary aberration and he quickly regrouped to par the 14th and take the match 5 & 4.

Playing in his first pennant final Ethan McKenzie had an off day and was towelled up by Jack Rachel to the tune of 7 & 6. Ethan started with a win on the first hole, but it was all down hill from that point on, as young Jack plugged away with steady golf to wrap the match up after the 12th hole, which was conveniently adjacent to the clubhouse. Brings to mind the old golfing adage "early ripe, early rotten."

Charlie Baxter a seasoned Maitland campaigner, had a slow start against Jason Varley, halving the first three holes, but then hit his straps, winning holes 4 through 8 to jump to a 5 hole lead. Jason fought back to win the ninth, immediately dropped the 10th, won the 11th, only to see "tough" Tom take the next two holes for a 6 & 5 victory.

Maitland's number 1 "captain jack sparra" Hayden Gulliver was up against "jumping" Jack Clark and played the captains knock to lead his team to victory. After losing the 1st hole, when his initial drive hit the overhead wires, and had to replay the shot, he was never headed. From that point on he quickly assumed command of the match, gradually increasing his lead to record a 5 & 3 win.

2012

MAITLAND FINALLY CLAIM SHIELD.

Playing in their fourth final straight Maitland has finally won the Jack Hancock Shield, for the 2012 Junior Pennant series. The win will finally obliterate the memories of the previous three losses for Nick & Hayden Gulliver and Kade Hardy, who have played in all four finals.

The win was a special victory for Nick Gulliver, the team captain, and Kade Hardy, as they move out of the junior ranks later this year.

The 4 - 1 margin was not indicative of the closeness of the result, with four of the five matches decided on the 16th hole. At the half way mark it was impossible to to call a winner, but as the second nine unfolded the hungry Maitland side edged ahead.

Playing at number one Hayden Gulliver overcame Jackson Cluff by the margin of 5 & 4, a convincing win.

 Kade Hardy playing at 2, went down to Josh Stig 2 & 1 in a see sawing match.

The two Zac's (Leach & Pryor) had an interesting game, with Maitland Zac defeating Kurri Zac 2 & 1. Spectators watching this tussle got their "bob's" worth in an entertaining match.

In an unusual move captain Nick Gulliver played down the order, which paid dividends with a 2 & 1 win over Josh Udbinac.

Playing at number 5 Charlie Baxter played tenacious golf to eventually defeat Hayden Buxton 2 & 1.

2011

BRANXTON UPSET MAITLAND

The underdogs Branxton survived an action packed match to win the 2011 junior pennant (Jack Hancock Shield) defeating red hot favourites Maitland. Throughout the drama packed 18 holes the match see sawed, until it came down to the number 5 players proceeding to the 19th hole. Those officials and spectators observing were enthralled by the quality of the golf.

Special mention should be made of The Vintage who made their course available for the final.

The first match out was the number fives and in that match Jon Lawler (15) found himself 4 down after 4 holes, to Blake Palmer (6), but he never gave up. The match remained close until the closing holes where Blake's driver deserted him and found himself only 1 up with the 18th to play.  Jon received a stroke from Blake on the hole and used it to win the hole to finish the match square. They waited anxiously for the results of the remaining 4 matches to see if they had to play sudden death.

Playing at 4 for Maitland's Hayden Gulliver (4) proved too strong for Brendan Bendeich (10) and accounted for him 5 & 4 after being 2 up at the turn.

The next match between Cameron Johanson (9) and Zac Leach (4) was always in favour of Cam after he skipped to an early 3 up lead, stretched it to 4 after 9 holes and didn't allow Zac into the match wrapping it up 3 & 2  on the 16th hole.

The first of the matches played on a scratch basis was a ball tearer. Adrian Chomiszak had the measure of his Maitland counterpart Nick Gulliver for the major part of the 18 holes except for the final few holes. After 9 holes Adrian turned two up. Nick grabbed one back on hole 11 but a magnificent eagle on the par 5 14th restored it back to two. Nick Gulliver then pulled out all stops winning the final three holes to take the match 1 up. The highlight of the holes was a spectacular second shot to the 16th green which finished 6 inches from the hole.

The match between the number ones Isiaih Wolferstan (2) and Kade Hardy (3) was a walkover for Isiaih winning 5 & 4. He turned 4 up, kept the ball in play on the back nine and was never headed.

This evened the matches at two a piece, which sent the number 5's out to decide their match. Both players hit the green in regulation, with Blake putting first leaving his ball 3 feet below the hole. Jon putted next and was a bit aggressive with the putt finishing 5 feet from the hole. He sunk the return putt meaning Blake would have to bin his putt to continue to the next hole. Unfortunately his putt took the break and drifted off to the side of the hole, earning Jono the win and Branxton The Hancock Shield for 2011.

For Maitland is was heartbreaking after losing their third final in as many years and all by a 3 - 2 margin. Rumour has it an offer has been made to Wayne Bennett to coach the team next year.

JUNIOR  PENNANTS 2010

JUNIOR FINAL - JACK HANCOCK TROPHY

Muswellbrook juniors made it two in a row by taking the 2010 junior pennant final at Singleton, which was turned out in splendid condition for the event. The Brook met Maitland for the second year in a row and once again were victorious by the margin of 3 - 2.

Mimicking the words of Juan Antonio Samaranch, our excited District Captain Dave Parkinson claimed it "the best ever" final he had witnessed. It was so close 4 out of the 5 matches were decided on 18th hole.

Maitland struck an early lead with the mighty midget Hayden Gulliver, playing at 5, win his match 1 up over Billy Fenton, who had staged a comeback after being down 3 holes after 9.

Blake Palmer, playing at No. 4, put Maitland 2 up with a convincing victory over Josh Slade by the margin of 4/3.

Playing at No. 3 Brodie Benkovic pulled one back for the Brook, with a hard fought win of 1 up on the last hole over David Connaughton. At no point throughout the match was the margin more than 1 hole either way.

The numbers two's has an interesting match through to the 18th where the referee was called to adjudicate. Maitland's Kade Hardy was up against Brad Bastick and at that point it was all square. Brad had the honour and knocked his ball onto the 18th green, some 30 feet from the pin. It was then discovered he had hit off from in front of the markers. The referee correctly ruled that there was no penalty involved but Kade had the option to make Brad replay the shot. In a sporting gesture Kade allowed the shot to stand, after having previously played his shot onto the putting surface. Sadly Kade took a 3 putt to Brad's two putts and went down by 1 hole.

With the matches tied up at two apeice, it was down to the number ones, Dylan Perry and Nick Gulliver. Nick at that stage was one down, but had the honour. His shot safely found the green, but it proved futile when Dylan played a clincher to within a metre, and then it was game, match and victory to Muswellbrook.

JUNIOR PENNANT RESULTS

2009

FINAL - SUNDAY 26 APRIL-

MAITLAND vs MUSWELLBROOK GREEN.

The two top qualifying teams finally got together at The Oaks, to sort out the 2009 champion team for the Hancock Shield.

On paper Maitland was the stronger team, but at the end of the day it was the underdog, Muswellbrook Green team who were triumphant team.

At the change there was little in it, but as the match progressed the Muswellbrook team stormed home to take the Shield.

Playing at number 5 Brodern Adam-Smith put Muswellbrook in front with a 4 & 2 win over Hayden Gulliver.

Maitland returned fire with wins by Kade Hardy 2 up and David Connaughton 5 & 3. This left the number 1 & 2 players to sort out the final.

Dillon Perry came from behind at the turn, to run down "The Seagull" Nick Gulliver 4 & 3, who failed to swoop on opportunities.

Jordana Keaton fresh back from the Australian Junior Interstate series in Alice Springs proved too strong for Andrew "SMS" Marriott, who was still a bit rusty after an enforced lay off. Jordana won the critical final match  3 & 2.

JUNIOR PENNANT FINAL 2008

The 2008 junior pennant final was a first when it was staged between two upper Hunter clubs, Muswellbrook & Scone. The final was played at Denman where the hospitality extended was most appreciated.

In one of the closest finals ever witnessed Scone won the Hancock Trophy by the margin of 3 matches to 2.

Apart from the number 5 match all other matches went the distance to provide a thrilling finale, witnessed by officials and supporters.

Matt O'Donnell and Jake Teague (Scone) led the way with victories over Brady Benkovic and Brad Baskik to give Scone a healthy 2-0 lead.

Adam Hume narrowed the margin with his 2/1 win over Kyle Blinco.

Justin Smart eventually succumbed to Jordana Keaton on the last hole, to even it up 2 matches apiece.

Back on the 17th green Mac Dawson was 1 up over Cameron Benkovic. Both players were on the green putting for birdie. Mac faced a tricky downhill 15 foot slider, whilst Cameron had the upper hand with an uphill 8 footer.

Mac rose to the occasion and holed the pressure putt for birdie placing Cameron in the position of having to hole his putt to keep the match alive. Sadly his putt lipped out and the Hancock Trophy and victory in the 2008 pennant went to Scone for a history making first time.

JUNIOR PENNANT RESULTS 2008

2008 HANCOCK SHIELD FINAL

The final of the junior pennant will be between Scone and Muswellbrook, possibly at Aberdeen, on a date to be arranged not the 6 April as per the draw. Unfortunately this date clashed with a Newton Foundation event and it would be unfair to either team to have to play depleted teams in the final.

Scone went through the series undefeated and Muswellbrook snuck in on their better for and against when they finished equal second with Kurri. This is possibly the first occasion that two upper Hunter clubs have played in the final.

JUNIOR PENNANT FINAL

Dungog Golf Club

15 April, 2007

 The Oaks, surprised the pundits and turned the tables on their opponents, Muswellbrook  in the final of the 2007 junior pennants for the Jack Hancock Shield.

Both sides had opted to omit their leading juniors in Ben Sweetman (Oaks) and Luke Gageler (Muswellbrook) as neither had played a major role in reaching the final, due to other golf commitments.

Cassie Rigby and Matt Kelly, led the first two games in with convincing 3 & 2 victories over Adam Hume and Kyle O'Keefe.

Playing at number 3 Cameron Benkovic narrowed the lead to one match, with a 2 & 1 win over Nick Payne.

Daniel Rigby put the win beyond doubt with a fine 4 & 3 win over 7 marker Jordana Keaton.

Brendon Smith, playing at Number 1 against fellow HRDGA team mate Mac Dawson recorded a 2 & 1 victory to complete the rout.

Junior Pennant Final - Hancock Trophy

Sunday 9 April, 2006 at Singleton

The Muswellbrook junior side scraped home to win the final of the Junior pennant series and make it two in a row, with a hard fought win over a gallant Kurri side.

With the match evenly balanced at 2 -2, it came down to the number ones. Luke Gageler for Muswellbrook was pushed all the way by Kia Pridue, and hung on for a one up victory clinching the Trophy for the ecstatic Muswellbrook team.

Junior Pennant Results

Round 1 at Branxton

Sunday 22 January, 2006

Round 2 at Scone

Sunday 5 February, 2006

Round 3 at Muswellbrook

Sunday 12 February, 2006

Round 4 at Maitland

Sunday 19 February, 2006

Round 5 at Kurri

Sunday 26 February, 2006

Round 6 at The Oaks

Sunday 12 March, 2006

Round 7 at Singleton

Sunday 2 April, 2006