12 May 2022 | Amateur golf |
Victoria, South Australia book final showdown
by Dane Heverin
Victoria and South Australia are through to the final of the Australian Interstate Teams Matches on Thursday afternoon at Sorrento Golf Club following a pair of big wins in the final round.
Surprise packets South Australia overcame Tasmania 6.5-1.5 on the back of thumping wins by Jack Buchanan, Caitlin Peirce and Charlie Nobbs to leapfrog Western Australia and Queensland and claim second spot.
To honour tradition, men’s and women’s trophies will still be awarded with the South Australian men etching their state’s name onto the trophy for the first time in 39 years.
“We’re pumped, it’s unreal and we’re keen for this afternoon,” Jack Buchanan, Billy Cawthorne, Charlie Nobbs and Kyle Hayter said.
“The girls got us over the line at the end which made a huge difference. Now we obviously can’t get too ahead of ourselves, reset and then go again this afternoon.”
South Australia got the better of the Victorians in their contest on Tuesday, and the Victorian skippers are hoping to carry the momentum from this morning’s 4.5-3.5 victory over Western Australia into the final.
“It was an awesome performance by the team. We’ve come back strong from our loss against SA on the first day and we’re really happy to be in the final,” captain Andre Lautee said.
“We know that they’re a tough team so we’re going to have to be playing well.”
They picked up vital points this morning courtesy of massive wins by 13-year-old Amelia Harris and 15-year-old Molly McLean, and captain Keeley Marx was so proud of their efforts.
“It’s honestly insane how young they are and the ability they have. To be 13 and 15 and in their state’s women’s teams is something that not many people are going to be able to do and they’re here kicking butt and proving themselves every step of the way,” she said.
The Victorian women also secured the women’s trophy, while in this morning’s other match Queensland and New South Wales shared the point on offer.