The second match of the season for the East Riding U18’s saw the Union team go to the seaside for another home fixture at the picturesque Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club against a strong Harrogate Union.
The Union was forced to make a few changes for this match because of availability issues. Into the starting lineup came the Ganton trio of Ben Staveley, George Walker and the Yorkshire Boys Captain, Jack Northgraves. Again, looking to the future, there was also a Union debut for Seth Topham from Hornsea Golf Club. Welcome aboard Seth.
On a pleasant but cool Sunday morning, a confidence boosting performance in the last match augured well. However, after nine holes things were looking less than favourable. There was a back nine fight back led by Jack Northgraves who used his local knowledge to good effect to inspire partner Callum Burns to a good 2&1 win after being 3 down stood on the 10th tee.
Match three saw another inspiring fight back as team captain Luke Townhill and Cottingham's Ewan MacKenzie won their last five holes to win their match 2up.
The best performance of the morning by far came in the anchor foursomes. Ganton duo Ben Staveley and George Walker won their match 8&7. Well played chaps. So at lunch the match was finely balanced at 6-6.
Both teams, on paper were very evenly matched, so all three results were possible as the afternoon singles matches got under way. A cool easterly breeze greeted the players and had the potential to make for an interesting afternoon’s entertainment.
Early exchanges meant that all the matches were close affairs, but as the afternoon wore on, the East Riding managed to gain the upper hand. This moved more towards a position of strength as the first six matches all went the way of East Riding.
Notable performances included a 6&4 win for Luke Townhill, a 5&4 victory for Luke Thornton and 5&3 triumph for Ewan MacKenzie. There were also good wins for George Coope and Jack Northgraves who both finished on the 16th green. Warren Burns then won 2up before Harry Mukerjea ensured the team victory by winning his match 2&1.
Ben Staveley extended the winning margin with his 3&2 win and Alfie Slater again showed why he was last season’s player of the year with a comprehensive 6&5 win.
Overall, East Riding won 9 out of the 12 singles matches in the afternoon to seal the victory by 24 points to 12. A tremendous achievement considering that after nine holes in the morning, the Union were trailing in 5 out of the 6 matches. Well done chaps, a great effort.
As we enter the heart of exam season, there is a little break until the next match. This will be at Hull GC on Sunday 3rd July against the always strong Sheffield Union. With both sides now boasting 100% records from their two matches, it promises to be a Kirk Ella classic!
See full fixtures, results and league standings
Thanks, as always, to all the volunteers, helpers and parents who help make these events happen. Again, thank you to our hosts today, Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club for your hospitality. Your support is always greatly appreciated. So until July, enjoy the great British summer and we will see you all soon.
Sunil Mukerjea
Junior Team Manager
