Junior Cup V Killeen Castle

Sutton make home advantage count, for a thrilling 4-1 win!

The Junior Cup is 5 singles matches and with 3 at home there was a degree of cautious optimism amongst both the panel and management. A bright, cool and breezy day made for tricky conditions particularly with the course having dried out remarkably well in recent weeks. The greens were impeccable and rolling exceptionally well, a credit to our greenkeeping staff.

John Carroll led out at home, playing Junior Cup for the first time and what a debut. John established an early 2up lead and whilst the match ebbed and flowed he was always in control eventually winning 3up. Dave O’Neill played in the anchor role, unbelievably a few days after starring for the Super Seniors against Portmarnock Links! This proved to be ideal preparation and, ably assisted by caddy Aidan McWilliams, he annihilated his opponent 5up – an incredible win at this level of golf.

First up in Killeen Castle was new recruit, Mick O’Sullivan, a long hitting Clare man who relished the task and the match was still alive when called in on 17. Ben Logan was next out and likewise was very much still in it when called in after 16 holes. With the overall result known both matches were deemed halves. The quality of golf on display in Killeen Castle was sensational with birdies galore and incredible scoring from all players.

These matches invariably come to down to one key game and in this instance it fell to Stephen Moriarty in the second match to bring it home. Stephen is a seasoned inter-club campaigner and he drew on all of that experience to turn around a 2 down deficit. Clutch putts for halves on 9 and 10 kept him in touch with his opponent and he then followed up with key wins to establish a 1up lead after 16. Seizing the opportunity he bombed a drive down the middle of the 17 th fairway, setting up a win and 2up victory. An absolute matchplay masterclass!

This was a significant Sutton victory against a very strong team, who on paper were lower handicaps in every match. Credit to all the players for not only the skill shown but also the effort, tenacity and desire to win for Sutton. We play Balcarrick in the second round.

Special thanks to the caddies, who played a huge part in this victory and the supporters who

turned out in big numbers to follow the matches.