Andy Allen won his match emphatically. Picture by Ashley Vaughan.
GOLF A MAGNIFICENT seven from Ryde Golf Club will ride again at Rowlands Castle later this month, after reaching the finals’ day of the Hampshire County Sevens competition.
The Ryde team took on Bohunt Manor, from Liphook, at their home course on Saturday, after winning a group stage with other clubs from around the IW.
Each player with paired with a Bohunt challenger, with handicaps similar, for 18 holes of matchplay.
Handicaps for Ryde ranged from just two to 13, but all played far beyond expectations to make the finals’ day on October 21, where they take on Basingstoke in the semi-final, before either playing the final or a third-place playoff.
Four of the games on Saturday went to the 18th hole. Jack McLoughlin (2) led Ryde out but lost one down, however Rich Harrison (4) won his match 3&2. Spencer Simpson (7) won his game one up, before the tide began to really turn in Ryde’s favour when Andy Allen (7) trounced his opponent 7&6.
Alan Squibb (8) then followed up with a great 5&4 win, to ensure Ryde would progress.
The final two pairings, Lee Dixon (10) and Paul Moreton (13) drew and narrowly lost their games respectively.
Lee, who is course manager, said: "I had a 6ft putt to make on the last hole to draw my match all square and I had no idea what had happened earlier.
"All my teammates were there watching and no-one told me the game was won, so they piled on the pressure!"
The final result was Ryde 4½-2½.
• More pictures in the Friday, October 5, County Press.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk