The South Australian men’s team have finished fifth at the 2016 Australian Men’s Interstate Series played at the Brisbane Golf Club 10 – 13 May.
The Team Coached by Gareth Jones, PGA Pro at Glenelg was led by Captain Matthew Lisk (The Grange) and included Junior Boys Captain Lachlan Barker and Sam Earl (Glenelg), Scott Ready (Flagstaff Hill) and Heath Riches and Will Somerfield (Kooyonga) who had all represented South Australia previously.
Making their debuts were, junior representative players Ben Layton (Glenelg) and Liam Georgiadis (The Grange).
The SA Men’s team put together their best performance of the series in the opening round against the fancied Western Australians coming up trumps 4-3. Matthew Lisk was the hero of the match, making eagle on the final hole to claim the number one match against WA Open Campion Curtis Luck to secure the tie for South Australia.
In round two SA’s hopes came crashing back down to earth after the Victorians proved too strong winning 4.5 – 2.5. With five of the seven matches going to the last hole (and SA halving three) SA pushed the Victorians all the way but just couldn’t get across the line. Will Somerfield was the sole outright winner 3&1.
Team Manager David Brand had mixed feelings after the first days play “Massive effort from the SA boys today. Huge win over WA in the opening round this morning 4-3 with Lisky making eagle up the last for the win, but an excruciating loss to the Vics this arvo 4.5-2.5. So close, but just couldn't grab the win at the end.” Brand said
After a bye Wednesday morning SA faced flag favourites NSW in round four. SA was never in the hunt, going down 6-1. It was always going to be uphill battle against NSW a quality line-up who ended the minor round undefeated. SA’s sole win in round four was courtesy of Matthew Lisk 2&1 over Travis Smyth.
“Disappointing result today for the Golf SA boys going down to NSW in a tight contest. Sadly, the 6-1 scoreboard doesn't do justice to how close the matches were and how well the team played. Things just didn't fall our way today and the NSW boys were simply too strong at the crunch.” said Manager David Brand
In round five, SA pushed the Queenslanders all the way and after 5 matches the score was 2.5 apiece. Will Somerfield won 2up at number three, while Liam Georgiadis, Ben Layton and Sam Earl all halved their matches. Unfortunately Lachlan Barker went down to Blake Proverbs 2&1 and Matt Lisk was unable to repeat his round one heroics falling 3&2 to Anthony Quayle. QLD won the tie 4.5 – 2.5
SA collected their second win in round six, defeating NT 4.5 – 2.5. Scott Ready 3&2, Ben Layton 2&1, Lachlan Barker 3&2 and Matt Lisk 3&2 all picked up wins, while Heath Riches halved.
SA finished the series on a disappointing note, losing to Tasmania in round seven 4.5 – 2.5. Will Somerfield picked up his third win of the series with a 4&3 victory, while Lachlan Barker won 1up. Matthew Lisk halved his match at number one to finish with the best record of the group with 3 wins, a halve and 2 losses.
With a robust high performance program underway and three 17 year olds in the side all dedicated on improving, the SA team will set itself for a big 2017.
View the final scores > here