Bathurst's quest to claim back-to-back Central West District Golf Association division one pennant titles will go down to the final round, after the team lost its match play tie 3-2 to Duntryleague on Sunday as the Orange club nabbed its third win of the year.
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Bathurst had been undefeated after four rounds going into the fixture, which was technically played on neutral greens at the Wentworth Golf Course in Orange, but Duntryleague took full advantage playing in their home city.
Duntryleague started the day in strong form after Tim White had a big 5 and 4 win over Bathurst's James Chapple and David Corby overcome David Clemens 4 and 3.
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Cam Jackson provided some hope for the Bathurst team, winning his match against Tyson Lane on the 20th hole, before Duntryleague secured the victory when Peter Mitchell won 1-up against Justin Sutton, however, Reece Hodson claimed a 1-up win in the final match against Robert Payne.
"It was always going to be a tough match," Hodson said.
"Duntry playing at Wentworth, it was sort of a home field advantage for them.
"Our boys were all pretty confident, but this is match play and unfortunately some of the boys didn't get off to the best start and it continued on through the day."
It's now a simple equation for Bathurst - defeat Mudgee next weekend at Duntryleague and they'll be crowned champions but if they lose, Mudgee will receive the winners trophy.
"It's going to be pretty big. The boys know what's at stake and we had a little bit of a chat about it after we finished," Hodson said.
"We just need to go into it with the same confident attitude that we've had over the last five weeks.
"Everyone needs to just do their usual practice and get ready for it. With a bit of luck, we come out on top."
Forbes currently lead the competition, however, they've played their last round of the season and will have a bye when Bathurst and Mudgee play in Orange, meaning they could be relegated to two or third depending on other results.
In the other matches, Cowra will play Parkes and Dubbo will play at Duntryleague, with all ties to be played at Duntryleague.
The Orange club is sitting in fourth on the table with three wins.
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