THE Halifax-Huddersfield Union team went top of the Inter-district table when they travelled to Catterick for their second match of the season – and posted their second win.
The Union men notched up a 21-15 points victory over Teesside Union, on a Catterick course which was the venue two years ago when the result ended in an 18–18 tie, so the match was set up for another close finish.
Ed Battye and Matthew Colcombe were first off, they fell behind early and after nine holes were three down and never recovered, losing 6&5.
Meltham’s Jamie Bower and Graham McLean were second out, winning the fourth hole par five with an eagle, going on to win 5&4.
Aaron Schnacke and Steve Martin had a very close match, winning on the last hole, Dave Stafford and Ben Adamson battled hard to earn a well-fought half.
The Ogden pairing of Clive Crawshaw and Jamie Smith lost 5&3, with the final foursomes pairing of Chris Lander and Andy Wilford losing 6&5, leaving the West riding men trailing 7–5 after the foursomes.
Battye lead the team out in the afternoon, eventually losing on the 18th hole. Bower had a close match which he eventually won 4&2.
Schnacke was out of sorts and never really played the golf he is capable of, losing 4&2.
Colcombe had a very tight game with ex-Bradford Union captain Neil Harker Bell, finishing strongly to win 3&2.
Martin got his match to all square on the 18th tee. He hit his approach shot into a green-side lateral water hazard, but pitched magnificently to guarantee an unbeatable bogey and a halved match.
McLean got off to a flying start winning the first four holes, however his opponent made a spirited recovery, forcing the game to the 17th where McLean won the hole and the match 3&1. Smith then fought back for a half.
Crawshaw posted a 2&1 victory, and Stafford fought hard for a one-hole victory.
Adamson had another close encounter, winning on the last hole.
Struggling Lander showed the fighting spirit for which the team are now becoming renowned, getting to the 17th green before finally succumbing.
Wilford played a fantastic pitch to the 16th green for a 4&2 win and victory for the team.
Team manager Chris Mear said: “I was very pleased with the win, we all individually dug deep, and turned around a possible losing position into a win.
“This shows the character and the team spirit we have built in the last two seasons, and we are all looking forward to the next match at Meltham Golf Club against the Sheffield Union on June 23.”
Halifax-Huddersfield now top the table with four points alongside Sheffield, while East Riding, York, Teesside and Bradford have two points each – Harrogate and Leeds have yet to open their accounts.
