Sandy Gallop team braces for Ipswich threat
SANDY Gallop's A-grade team continued to assert its dominance in the Moreton District Open pennants competition at Ipswich Golf Club on Sunday.
Sandy Gallop proved again the team to beat this season with a five games to nil result against Ipswich.
However, Sandy's captain Ben Daniels was unwilling to wear the favourites tag heading into the grand final in two weeks at Laidley.
Ipswich's cause wasn't helped by having three players away representing the Moreton District at the Queensland Inter-District titles played over the weekend.
"Ipswich is a whole different team when they are at full strength," Daniels said after the game. "They are possibly the strongest team in this area and have been for a long time."
The form of vice captain Troy Mcguiness, Brandon Burrows and 14-year-old Matthew Frohmuller gives Daniels plenty to think about when deciding on his top five players for the final.
It will be the first time playing the final match of the season for most of the young team.
Sandy's older, more experienced team ensured they would finish in third spot after an equally impressive 5-0 win over an understength Laidley team.
Good wins from Randle McKeand, Muskin and Scott Neimi cemented the B side's position with one round remaining.
Laidley unearthed another young talent with 13-year-old Alex Littlejohns making his A-grade debut.
Against the experienced Owen Spenser, Alex showed he has the skills to be a part of Laidley team for many years to come.
The challenge pennants is shaping in a similar way with Ipswich securing top spot and Sandy Gallop's A and B teams battling for the other final place.
A great fightback from Sandy B's Ed Kelly, who was four down with four to play, was only enough for a two and a half all squared match with Laidley.
With a three matches to two win over Boonah, Sandy A was able to leapfrog their B team into second place.
Ipswich continued its undefeated form with a four and a half to half win over Rosewood.
Pennants points
A grade table: Sandy gallop A 5, Ipswich 3, Sandy Gallop B 1.5, Laidley 0.5.
Challenge pennants table: Ipswich 7.5, Sandy Gallop A 6, Sandy Gallop B 5.5, Hattonvale B 4, Hattonvale A 3.5, Rosewood 3, Laidley 3, Boonah 2.5 Lowood 2, Esk 1.5.
