Golf correspondent Michael Minty previews round eight of the metropolitan senior A pennant series.
Island Park v Otago Bombers
This shapes as an important game for both, as top spot is potentially up for grabs for the Bombers, while Island Park will rue last week’s defeat to Chisholm Links at home and field a strong side today in a bid to arrest a five-game losing streak.
The hosts welcome back Phil Bungard, who faces Duncan Croudis is arguably the match of the round. However, once again Park’s depth is being tested with a number unavailable or injured.
This looks a tricky affair for the Bombers, but you’d have to think the Bombers have enough to win unless Park’s senior players can step up. Bombers win 4-2
St Clair Saints v Chisholm Links
Another close affair could be on the cards here, especially with a couple of ex-pats lining up for Chisholm.
Wins to Jason Pegler and Luke Worthington for the Links may be seen as among a couple of their best chances around their old home course, especially with the Saints missing Tony Giles and Parker Aluesi.
Nevertheless, you can’t go past the Saints getting the points, especially at home, but don’t be surprised to see the visitors grabbing some games to add to their important tally in a bid to hold on to fourth spot. Saints 4½-1½.
Otago B52s v Taieri Lakes
At Balmacewen, Taieri Lakes have called on father-son duo Jack and Brett Kennelly to bolster stocks against a B52s missing Andrew Hobbs.
The visitors will look to Kennelly senior to secure points at No6, while Jarrod Mitchell has been playing solidly and must rate as a chance. However, Will McLauchlan and George Prendergast have also been in good form and look the best of chances.
There’s a hunch the B52s are going to be made to work for this. You can almost smell an upset, but a B52s 4-2 result looks a solid prediction.
— Michael Minty
