So for the last time the bus worked its way over the speed bumps and out the gate of Latrobe on its way to Kingswood. One game to go, against the team on its own track. Miracles did not happen and it didn’t really matter. This has been a difficult year for Players and Caddies and it is hard to cast a glow over the season without a thought of what we could do better.
The positives of the day was the Veteran being called up after selflessly standing down, coming up with a sensational 4 & 2 win. Well done SMac for both your willingness to help a younger player of our future and your competitive nature to find a way around the testing Kingswood layout when your chance returned. Unfortunately for the team though, it was the solitary lick of the proverbial pennant ice cream in Round 7 and so we reboot for a run next year at the Division 3 flag.
It is mixed feelings always at the end of a pennant season. The disappointment is however always covered by looking to the future and turning the focus immediately on the challenge we have.
In 2014, we had our first pennant sponsor for Latrobe for a long long time. Back in Motion from Alphington want to be involved with our club and the support of an energetic community business is one plank that will enable us to rebuild our pennant fortress. The club is very appreciative of the support and with Latrobe Pilates classes going on each week, we hope that the sponsorship is valuable and assists our members to get Back in Motion as quick as possible.
We also saw the squad bolstered by some old hands and new blood. Young Aiden May in the colts had a withering run of form that drove his handicap down by 14 in 6 months forcing his name into the Colts tem and his experience gained from the season will be invaluable. Scotty Mills showed enthusiasm to practice, attending almost all session’s even though long odds to play. His enthusiasm is welcome. Johnny Dapice, Craig Baker and Cameron Hocking both played well enough at times through the season to make their claim for a spot in the team. Their form was impossible to ignore like David Baker sizzling in February proving that the only way to secure a spot is to play better than you have before. Form is the best way to pick a side and gives the squad depth which we will build on this year.
Fraze, our country superstar from a few years ago once again became eligible to play with us and we thank his efforts to make the long drive each week even when at times he didn’t play. This spirit to be a team mate is invaluable to the character of the team.
Congrats to Streets, as competitive as always, TRob whose keenness to play is unquestioned, young Matty Sellars who juggled the work load of Senior with his golf, Shane the veteran who continues to defy the calendar of life and Oz who overcame injury at the start to force his way back into the team.
Our other squad members your efforts to turn up to practice is appreciated and you are urged to continue to press hard at your game for next year. Aiden May is an example to us all that you can fight into a team. Don’t give up on a dream to compete for the club with your mates.
Our Caddy’s who selflessly turn up and help however they can. It is not easy but you are all part of the team not on the outside looking in. The supporters that show up to watch and have become involved on team APP with encouragement. It helps and the players all thank you for the support.
Finally our Captain for the season Chris page, our clear number one player. It is impossible to explain in words the effort you have put in for the betterment of the club. It has not gone unnoticed. There can be no better example of a member of a golf club. Your calmness in selection, logic in discussion and vision for what we can do better will be sadly missed by all, specifically with regards to pennant. The priorities of life to do with family is always the most important and the decision made I know is gut wrenching as you have put your heart and soul into being a member at Latrobe. I am hoping that in the future we will see your backswing again in Latrobe colors, we will be a better team for it, a better club for it.
The season is over and thank you to all that have helped in any way. It is a hotbed of emotion that pulls hard in every direction but in the end the honor of playing pennant and representing Latrobe Golf Club somehow makes it all worthwhile. Relegation means nothing in the end if we use the season to focus on what we should do better. It is what we will do.
