IN THE SWING: Duntryleague's Craig Stojanovic watches his shot during the Central Western District Golf Association pennant round in Mudgee. Photo: SANDY SMITH
DUNTRYLEAGUE division one pennant captain Robert Payne has declared Mudgee the team to beat after the competition’s opening round.
Mudgee scored a 4-1 win over Duntryleague in the Central Western District Golf Association division one pennant match on Sunday.
The Mudgee players were outstanding at home to down the Orange side, which is returning to the competition after sitting out the 2012 pennant season.
Rob Parfett was the only Duntryleague player to celebrate a win, going to the 19th to down John Osborn in the battle of the number fives.
“Mudgee are definitely the team to beat,” Payne said.
“We knew it would be hard but 4-1 was probably a surprise for us. I thought we’d at least get two (wins).”
Payne was beaten by young gun Andrew Best 5 and 4 when the top players squared off.
“I was never in it,” Payne said.
“He was too good on the day.”
Craig Stojanovic lost to Matt Consadine, Tim White went down to Jason Seis and Wayne Carpenter was beaten by Josh Campbell all with 3 and 2 results.
In the other Group A clash, Parkes celebrated a 4-1 win over Wentworth.
Adrian Matthews, Mitch McGlashan, Aaron Wilkie and Blake Parker all had wins for Parkes while Steve Bray enjoyed a 1up victory for Wentworth.
In Group B, Wellington thumped Bathurst 5-0, while Forbes and Dubbo had byes.
Payne said the home and away format of this year’s competition made winning at home key.
“You’ve got to treat your home course like a fortress,” Payne said.
“Everyone who plays at home will be stronger.”
After losing their first round, Payne said his sides last two games before the semi-finals were must-win.
Luckily for Duntryleague, they’re both at home.
“We’re by no means gone,” Payne said.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll win our next two matches because they’re at home.”
In this Sunday’s second round, Duntryleague hosts Parkes and Dubbo travel to Bathurst while Wentworth, Mudgee, Forbes and Wellington have byes in division one.