Junior Cup v Rush
Sutton reach the Quarter Final with a superb win over Rush!
With the home advantage Rush were certainly favourites going into this tie particularly given the very tough windy conditions, but when the chips are down nothing beats good old- fashioned determination and heart. Sutton had both in abundance winning through on a 3.5 to 1.5 scoreline and now progress to the Quarter Finals.
Dave O’Neill once more led from the front at home for his third win of the campaign, ably assisted by caddy Aidan McWilliams who returned to duty after missing the second-round match. Dave got off to his usual steady start and established a solid 3up lead which he maintained for most of the round. His opponent was an experienced and wily competitor who stayed in the match with clutch wins on 16 & 17 to take it down the last. However, the pressure eventually told and a drive out of bounds meant Dave could calmly navigate the 18th for a 2up win.
The second match at home featured Ben Logan, who was a little slower out of the blocks, going 2 down early but class ultimately told and he reeled off a series of wins to finish the match off 5up on the 14 th . The Sutton crowd waiting on the 6th tee box had mixed emotions when the match didn’t make it back across the railway tracks.
Top match away featured Sutton legend, Mark Coates, against their lowest handicap player in a really high-quality affair. Coatesy settled early into his rhythm and was 1up after 6 holes. However, a couple of key “matchplay moments” turned the momentum in his opponent’sfavour who ultimately took the point on the 15th .
Mick O’Sullivan once more played in the anchor leg pitted against the recent winner of the Rush Scratch Cup and it was nip and tuck from the start. With a birdie on the 9th Mick finally got his nose in front 1up but subsequently lost the 10th to immediately halt his momentum. His opponent seized the opportunity and rattled off 3 quick fire wins in succession. Mick dug in though with a fine win on 14 and was still battling when called in 2down on the 15th hole.
In most interclub matches, there is generally one key game that becomes the focal point for supporters and management alike who, with an almost telepathic connection, gravitate in the same direction. It became clear that the second match in Rush was going to be the decider and what an epic it turned out to be. John Aherne, making his debut in Junior Cup for Sutton, was determined to get revenge for the heartbreaking Jimmy Bruen play-off loss a few weeks ago and was in ruthless form from the start. A 3up lead became 4up in real style when he drove the 9th green and after his opponent had chipped dead for birdie, John proceeded to hole his eagle putt. The Rush man dug deep though and with a few excellent wins clawed his way back to 1down after 14 – the now energised and giddy Rush faithful were jostling for position at the back of the par 3 15th , but right on cue, John played an exquisite 9 iron to 15 feet. Rush made a solid par and, following consultation with caddy Niall Mc, John calmly rolled in the birdie putt to re-establish a 2up lead and quieten the masses (see video!). John then seized the moment and bombed a drive down the middle of the 16th to further deflate both his opponent and the crowd, setting up a memorable 3up win – Jimmy Bruen himself would have been proud!
This was a superb win against a much-fancied Rush team who were very sportsmanlike and generous hosts. Thanks to the supporters who turned out in Sutton and most especially to the caddies (Aidan, Mark, Shane & Niall Mc) whose contribution was absolutely crucial to the victory and very much appreciated.
We play either Balbriggan or Corrstown in the Quarter Finals and have every belief that this determined and talented squad can keep the run going.
