GOLF
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo's David Gleeson has received plenty of accolades over the years but he added to his haul of victories at the weekend when he teamed up with Duntryleague trio Dennis Schultz, Robert Payne and Wayne Carpenter to complete a win for Oatlands Golf Club in the Masters Pennant event that was six years in the making.
But for the Oatlands club itself, the 5-2 victory over Cronulla at the Carnarvon Golf Club was a triumph that’s been brewing for much, much longer than six seasons.
Not since 1962 has the club won a pennant title, of any description, and as such Sunday’s clinical 5-2 trumping of the Cronulla Golf Club was a historic moment for the Sydney-based club.
“I dare say even a few of the older members shed a tear,” Schultz said, his team previously losing masters pennant finals in 2010 and 2012.
“It was huge, we had tremendous support from the club. They were extremely happy. It’s the culmination of a five to six year campaign for this team.
“We’ve made the final three out of five years, which is a tremendous achievement, but you’re only as good as your wins, and this win is a bit of vengeance for our last two losses.”
Leading the seven-man team, Payne won his clash convincingly 6 and 5, while, playing in the number two spot, Carpenter won his 4 and 3.
Gleeson shot at three, winning his match-up 4 and 3, while Oatlands member Graham Lawrence won narrowly, 2up.
Shultz, playing at five, went down 2 and 1 while, playing out of positions six and seven respectively, Oatlands’ duo Greg Ellis (won, 2up) and Allan Payne (loss, 1down) rounded out the memorable win for the masters pennant team.
Shultz said after a brilliant start to the clash, a mid-round slump threatened to bring about the club’s third final loss in five seasons.
But the steady play of Ellis and Lawrence ensured Oatlands broke a 52-year pennant drought.
“To come out on top, we’ve been working towards this as a group for the last six years, it’s a great achievement,” Schultz said.
“Robert and Graham both went through the season undefeated, which is a feather in their cap ... good event, it’s outstanding. Especially after the last was in 1962.”