The NSW Men could only salvage a half a point in a challenging day at the office at The Grange Golf Club on day one of The Australian Interstate Teams Matches.
In what was expected to be a tough awakening for the Blues outfit, the team couldn’t consolidate on their morning half point, losing a tough match to a strong Victorian team five matches to two.
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DAY ONE: As it happened
DAY ONE WOMEN'S PHOTO GALLERY- GLENELG : Checkout the action
DAY ONE MEN'S PHOTO GALLERY – THE GRANGE : Checkout the action
CHALLENGE READY : Players finish off prep
PLAYER PROFILES : 2018 NSW Representatives
Team Captain James Grierson remained measured after the completion of play, saying they team had always expected it to be a thorough examination.
“It was a little disappointing, but we knew we had to turn up straight away and be all guns blazing.
“It was always going to be a pretty hard first day.
“I know all the boys think if we go out and beat SA and WAs tomorrow, then QLD in the morning, we have every chance of getting back against more than likely Victoria in the final,” he said.
When asked about the day’s performances and the necessity for the team be tuned in and ready to go, Grierson was full of support of his charges. He singled out Nathan Barbieri’s effort as an example of the team dynamic.
“I don’t think anyone has underestimated their competition out there.
“When you are at Interstate everyone lifts, so all the matches are high-quality.
“Barbs was square with ‘Ferg, and he beat Matthias (Sanchez) just then.”
“We saw what he was capable of over the summer, we all know that he can win.
“I back him to win every game at three,” Grierson said.
The men will now face hosts South Australia and surprise packet Tasmania on day two, and Grierson is well aware of the challenge both teams present.
“They (Tasmania) are a bunch of older guys. They’ve been here plenty of times before, and they are a good bunch of golfers.
“They will be coming out with a point to prove,” Grierson said.
RESULTS – Men Day One:
AM Vs WA: Josh Gadd lost to Fred Lee 2/1, Harrison Crowe def Josh Greer 5/3, James Griesron lost to Haydn Barron 1dn, Jordan Garner lost to Connor Fewkes 5/4, Nathan Barbieri and Ben Ferguson all Sq, Josh Armstrong def Kiran Day 2/1, Blake WIndred def Min Woo Lee 5/4.
PM Vs VIC: Andrew Richards lost to Will Heffernan 3/2, Harrison Crowe lost to Lukas Michel 3/2, James Grierson lost to Blake Collyer 2/1, Jordan Garner def Kyle Michel 4/3, Nathan Barbieri def Matthias Sanchez 1up, Josh Armstrong lost to Zach Murray3/2, Blake Windred lost to David Micheluzzi 2/1.
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The NSW Women’s team backed their impressive morning performance up with a solid 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 win over rivals, Queensland.
With junior dynamo Sophie Yip rested for the afternoon session, Kelsey Bennett got the team off to a flyer with a 4&3 win over Lisa Edgar.
Former Queensland representative Darcy Habgood, facing the Maroons for the first time, defeated Kayeon Park 4&2, while Team Captain Amy Chu accounted for Isabelle Taylor 2up.
With the result a foregone conclusion, Doey Choi finished all square with Dee Russell. Stephanie Kyriacou couldn’t grab back to back wins, losing to Cassie Porter 2&1.
RESULTS – Women Day One
AM Vs TAS: Sophie Yip def Mackenzie Wilson 5/3, Darcy Habgood def Lily Caelli 2up, Amy Chu def Sarah Johnstone 3/2, Stephanie Kyriacou def Hallie Maeburn 3/2, Doey Choi def Georgia Millbourne 3/2.
PM Vs QLD: Kelsey Bennett def Lisa Edgar 4/3, Darcy Habgood def Kayeon Park 4/2, Amy Chu def Isabelle Taylor 2 up, Stephanie Kyriacou lost to Cassie Porter 2/1, Doey Choi and Dee Dee Russell All sq.