Forget Poulter’s Miracle at Medinah or Pettersen’s final putt in the Solheim – last night’s Drama at Derllys in the Ping Mixed v Machynys had its own legendary finish.
With the tie locked at 1–1, it all came down to the final match on the 18th hole. Alison unleashed one of her trademark towering drives, curling round the dogleg and outdriving her opponent by a cool 30 yards. First to play, Dai Badger from Machynys knocked his approach to within 20 feet of the pin. Brian stepped up and sent his to about 25 feet, the tension was sky-high.
Alison rolled her birdie putt to just 3 feet, leaving the pressure firmly on Sharon Badger. Sadly (or luckily, depending who you ask), Sharon fluffed her putt, leaving it 5 feet short. Dai’s next effort missed, and with a crowd of two nervously watching on, Brian, hands trembling, drained the winning putt from 3 feet. Victory to Tenby, 2–1!
Earlier, Pam Wareham and Ian Duke cruised to a confident 4&2 win, while Angie Gottwaltz and Roger Schooling weren’t at their sharpest, falling 4&3 to a steady Machynys pair.
Huge thanks to the whole team for giving up their time and to Derllys Court for hosting the match at a neutral venue.
Next stop: the semi-final against Carmarthen, date to be confirmed.
Report by Brian Jones