ON FIRE: Craig Stojanovic in action for Duntryleague. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0317pennants1
DUNTRYLEAGUE skipper Robert Payne says his side’s 4-1 division one Central Western District Golf Association pennant final win over Wellington is one of the more “satisfying” victories the club has notched up in a glittering pennants career.
Payne and his Duntryleague clubmates missed out on defending their division one title last season after club officials moved the Duntry club championship forward to February.
It meant no one from Duntryleague competed in the 2012 pennants.
But, back in 2013, Duntryleague recovered from a 5-0 first round road trip loss to Mudgee to remain undefeated throughout the rest of the competition and take out Sunday’s final at Orange Ex-Services Country Club golf course in dominant style.
Wayne Carpenter set the tone for the win, leading out with a 6 and 5 triumph over Mitchell Cusack.
Craig Stojanovic defeated Kurt Cusack in similar fashion, winning 4 and 3, and when Rob Parfett earned a 3 and 2 victory over Gary Cusack, the final two games were squared with a Duntryleague win already in the bag.
After division one wins in 2009, 2010 and 2011 prior to 2012’s absence from the pennants competition, Payne was a happy man his Duntryleague team was back where it belongs.
“Carpo set it up first out. He was always in control and it made it easier for the rest of us,” the skipper said, with Payne’s matchplay round against James Cusack and Peter Ferguson’s clash with Clinton Ridley both ending prematurely.
“We didn’t play it last year. The only additions we have to the side which won three in a row is Craig Stojanovic and Rob Parfett, they both strength the team, too, with one being off plus one and the other off scratch.
“It’s a very satisfying win.”
Parfett was also crowed the division one most valuable player for the series.
Parkes took out the division two pennants title with a 4-1 win over Mudgee, Bathurst defeated Dubbo 3.5-1.5 while Duntryleague made it a pennants double with victory in the division four final against Bathurst, albeit narrowly 3-2.
Duntryleague’s Lachlan Butt was crowned the division four MVP.
“It’s great for the club,” Payne said.
“It was a big advantage for us having played on the course the week before. Plus it was nearly a home game. We only had to go down the road whereas Wellington had a bit of travel to do.
“But I think they’re looking at changing the structure next season so there’s no home game.”