We concluded our campaign last Friday with a must win match against Westmanstown. The match was in doubt at Westmantown up to the last minute due to flooding but the course conditions at Howth were perfect, apart from a stiff breeze. Eventually, we got under way at Westmanstown with bunkers out of play and placing everywhere. These arrangements did not suit our “precision” operators, who never visit bunkers or rough, and made our task more difficult.
After a sterling battle at both venues, we only managed a tie at 6pts. each (losing 1 match at home and winning 1 match away). This sadly leaves us with a total of 34pts. from 6 matches played and this is insufficient for us to progress to the semi-finals.
The team panel did some herculean work during the season and had some great results. But in the end, we were unfortunate to meet some opposition on their “day in a lifetime” form. We had many good and memorable moments ourselves, one of which is chiseled into my consciousness from last week, where at a critical point in the foresomes match, Tom O’Brien hit a monster drive to about 60 metres from the par 4 green, with a lake invitingly occupying more than 40 metres of that space. Muiris Heron stepped up and confidently smashed a lob wedge to 5ft. from the pin. Howth won that hole and eventually the match, with a shattered opposition in a mental state in need of psychiatric support!
We now look forward to defending the “Fingal Seniors Team Trophy” at the Gala Day in Balcarrick on Friday 7 Sept. The Mixed Gala Day is Friday 21 Sept., also in Balcarrick .
My Assistant Manager, Michael Kelly, and I thank all the panel for their efforts and commitment all through the campaign. We live to fight another day and roll on 7 Sept. when we can renew our friendships with the other competitors in the Fingal Seniors League.
John Robinson
Manager( Fingal Seniors Team )