Date: January 24, 2013
Author: Jack Newton Junior Golf

NSW Claims 2013 State of Origin Victory

NSW has claimed the 2013 State of Origin in thrilling fashion after some final hole heroics, defeating Queensland 16 matches to 14 at Newcastle Golf Club.

Leading 9.5 – 8.5 heading into the singles matches, NSW got off to a really fast start with Amy Chu defeating Caitlin Cotterill 5&4. Rebecca Kay answered back for Queensland with a 4&3 victory over Doey Choi to cut the margin to 1 match once again.

Then came the turning point as NSW got out of jail on the final hole on numerous occassions.

Chris Fan made a brilliant birdie on the last, nearly pitching in from 40m out to square his match against Josh Wellwood. Josh Armstrong hit the final green in 2, to set up a birdie and win the match 2 up against Bailey Knoll, and Celina Yuan spun her approach shot to within 5 feet, her birdie putt doing a full 360* lap of honour before dropping in to give her a come from behind 1up victory over Karis Davidson.

Three final hole birdies got NSW to 14 points and within sight of victory, but Queensland closed the gap once more. Kate Law stormed home to beat Jess Lasky. DeeDee Russell came from 2 down through 10 holes to defeat Lizzie Elmassian 3&2, and Shae Wools-Cobb defeated Grant Booth 1up after Grant’s drive found the bushes on the 18th.

Blake Windred steadied the ship for NSW, with a narrow victory over Kodie Koski and that left the score at 15-13 with the 17 years matches still on course.

Mia Martin was 3 up with 3 to play on Nicha Jomjaturong, whilst Cameron Davis was 3 up with 5 to play on Ryan Gaske, but it wasn’t over yet.

Nicha managed birdies on the 16th and 17th to close the gap to 1 down, but her birdie putt from 8 feet on the last sat on the edge of the hole, and Mia hung on for victory.

Cameron secured the outright victory for NSW when he won the 16th hole to go 2 up with 2 to play, but Ryan extended the match with a birdie on the 17th. The last hole was halved, leaving Cameron 1 up, and giving NSW the title 16-14.

JNJG thanked all 24 players, rules officials and the GNGF staff and volunteers for making the week a very enjoyable one.

For more information, photos and to view final results go to www.jnjg.com.au