ERUGC's under 18s won their third match from four in the YIDU league with an emphatic 26-10 victory over Bradford Union at The Manor.
The boys maintained their second place in the standings thanks to a team performance where all 12 players contributed points to the winning score.
Despite a narrow foursomes defeat for new look top pair of Luke Thornton and George Coope, team captain Luke Townhill and Ewan Mackenzie won at the 17th to bring the scores level. Alfie Slater and Tom Ward then halved their match which suggested East Riding and Bradford were set for a tight battle.
However, convincing wins for the three new pairings of Bobby Beasley and Alfie Dacey, Fin Marshall and James Williamson and finally George Pepper and Tom Adcock gave East Riding a commanding lead of 9-3 at lunchtime which stand-in manager John Illingworth was in no mood to relinquish.
With three of the side's top six unavailable, players were all nudged up in the 'batting order' in the singles, but as the foursomes suggested, the East Riding looked to have the greater strength in the later matches.
Luke Thornton led the team off in style with a 4&3 defeat of Harry Phillips and then Ewan Mackenzie, fresh from his victory with Yorkshire u16s earlier in the week, triumphed on the last green to put East Riding 13-3 to the good. Luke Townhill and Cottingham's George Coope both also went down the 18th, but could only add a point to the team total from George's half.
Bobby Beasley came up against a strong opponent and lost 4&3, but no matter, as Alfie Slater continued his incredible record of never having lost a singles match for the Union with a 2&1 victory. When Tom Ward and Alfie Darcy secured their wins, the magic number of 19 points had been passed. All eyes were now on improving the points difference in the last four matches.
Fin Marshall couldn't repeat his morning win on debut, but Adcock, Pepper and Williamson won handsomely to secure the tie 26-10. Some exceptional performances from a young, inexperienced side, with some playing at this level for the first time.
There will be tougher tests to come in the final three fixtures, but three wins from four and consolidating second place in the standings was the priority at the start of the day and that mission was accomplished in fine style played in the right spirit.
Thanks to Steve Thornton, Steve Coope and ERUGC President Mike Dawson for their support. The next match will be a tough trip to Halifax & Huddersfield on 13 August at Dewsbury Golf Club. Full fixtures and results here.
George Coope still heads the 2023 Player of the Year standings, but Cottingham teammates Alfie Slater and Ewan Mackenzie are closing in.
Jonathan Clark
ERUGC Junior League Secretary
