The Mens Strathfield Masters Pennant Team played their final match of the season at the very pleasant Twin Creeks Golf Club in Luddenham versus Cumberland on Sunday.
This was a relegation game as your proud Strathfield players had finished stone motherless during the regular season. I would not say that we lost this relegation game, as that is a harsh word, we just failed to win. Again.
It is true, however, that our season was marred by continual bad luck.
The first match against Beverly Park was washed out on both weekends. Points were divided 8 and 8. (unfortunately points-wise this was a season highlight)
Our second game against Glenmore Park was played in pleasant conditions against lovely people in one of their spare rice paddies. The return leg on our course was not much better, where we played repeat nines and had our only win. All players, after 4 months of rain, were happy to be out of the house and seemed unconcerned about which direction their balls flew in.
The game against Macquarie Links was marred by our team manager, Brian Dunbar, handing out a bad batch of Titleist Pro V1's. These balls did not perform as advertised and were found in creeks, bunkers, out of bounds, lateral hazards, areas of thick grass and seen bouncing across the car park. They were also found to 3 putt constantly.
Unbelievably, we must have had the same batch for the return match as a similar thing happened.
This then led us to last weekend's match against Cumberland.
Your Strathfield Masters team was nobly represented by Sean McCrystal, Paul Meyer, Gavin Harris, Alvin Chai, Keith Brough, Peter Berg, Craig Collie, Greg Hough, Stan Kontominas and for the final match Tony Fehon. Sean McCrystal was the standout player for the season with the rare honour of having more wins than losses. Team cohesion was surprisingly high and we were brought together by our shared lack of ability and talent.
However, you will be pleased to know the team have already begun preparations for 2023. Players have committed to special high protein plant-based diets, raw vegetables and a grueling fitness regime. In a further coup for the Masters Pennant team we have been able to secure the services of Dr. Stephen Danks to manage our vitamins and 'special' supplements. We expect the results to be immediate and unnatural.
Finally our long time manager, Brian Dunbar, has retired after 10 seasons. He assures us this has nothing to do with recent results. Brian has been an outstanding supporter of the Masters Pennant team and a true patron of the Strathfield Golf Club. Thanks Brian from all of us.