National Matchplay Qualifying
The final night of the National Matchplay qualifying in Westmeath took place this evening in Rochfortbridge. In the first match out our own Liam Buckley took an early lead and never relinquished it against Mark Power from the ‘Bridge’. Liam eventually closed out the game 4&3.
The second game was undoubtedly the game of the night with Collinstown’s Martin Carter taking on John Browne. Martin started like a train in this one and led by 4 holes after 17. Browne went on a birdie spree then and pulled it back to take the lead himself. Martin fought back once more and with 3 holes left the match stood at all square. Browne managed to win 16 and 17 though to close it out by the narrowest of margins.
The third match was between Rochfortbridge team-mates Gerry Kennan and Ivan Oxley. Gerry had a good night’s pitching and dominated in this match. He eventually won 5&4.
The final match promised to be a real thriller between Michael Buckley and Alan Hanlon. Michael got out of the blocks early in this one though and was 4 up after 18. Alan played solidly throughout the second round but could not eat into the lead. In the end Michael won 5&4.
So the 4 Westmeath qualifiers are as follows:
Michael Buckley (Collinstown)
Liam Buckley (Collinstown)
John Browne (Collinstown)
Gerry Kennan (Rochfortbridge)
A big thanks to the Rochfortbridge club for hosting the qualifiers and to the county board for running the competition each evening.
The second night of the National Matchplay Qualifiers took place tonight in Rochfortbridge. Collinstown as always in these championships was well represented.
In the opening match of the night Willie Ayres took on local man Mark Power. Although Willie battled well he could not get the better of the ‘Bridge’ man.
Next up was an all Collinstown battle between Liam Buckley and Larry McGinn. Liam built a lead in the back 9 of the opening round and never gave that lead back. He went on to win 2&1.
Next up was the local maestro Jonny Daly against our own in-form John Browne. This match promised a lot and did not disappoint. A high quality battle eventually ended with Browne winning 3&2.
The next match saw Collinstown’s Martin Carter and Kevin Flanagan battle it out. Martin came out on top here 4&3.
Next up was Ivan Oxley from the home course against our own Mark Ayres. For the second night in a row, Ivan dispensed with a Collinstown player.
The next match was the only one we hadn’t a representative in. Gerry Kennan beat Martin White – both from the bridge by 3&2
The final match of the night saw Michael Buckley comfortably defeat Kilbeggans Darren Whelan.
In the other tie of the night Alan Hanlon got a walk over against Rene Bloom.
Tomorrow nights final matches are as follows:
Mark Power (Rochfortbridge) v Liam Buckley (Collinstown)
John Browne v Martin Carter (both Collinstown)
Ivan Oxley v Gerry Kennan (both Rochfortbridge)
Mick Buckley v Alan Hanlon (both Collinstown)
Best of luck to all
No luck for our Collinstown players tonight in the first round of the National Matchplay qualifiers in Rochfortbridge. Ivan Oxley from the home course defeated Paddy Browne comfortably and Stephen Ruane was unable to attend so he gave Mark Power the match. In the other match of the night. Rochfortbridge’s Johnny Daly defeated Ronan Whelan from Kilbeggan.
Tomorrow night’s second round games see 10 more of our members compete. Best of luck to all of them