The time has come, folks, to find out who will wear the title belts for 2024. There are some heavyweight battles to be fought across all grades. There are a few rough looking heads among the contenders in all categories, with some obviously having been a few rounds in this ring before.
In the Super-Heavyweight A-Grade contest, it appears likely a 3-cornered battle, but don’t dismiss too many from further down the leaderboard, just yet. Mark Emerson (Emmo), Simon Hoppe (Hopster), and Greg Daniel (Jack) have separated themselves and will each be looking to land an early hay-maker. This trio are all experienced campaigners and I can’t imagine anyone taking a backward step. Only 4 shots separate them – so they’ll need to be sharp. It’s another 4-back to the rest of the field. Let’s have a good clean fight, gents.
The Middleweight B-Grade title is also a tight affair. Paul Andrews leads by 2 over David Boyd with Peter Addison a further shot back. Closely following this pack are Russell Elliot, Luke Anstee and a gaggle of 5, another stroke back. This could turn into a melee if a few of these lads can come out swinging. With 15 players within 10 shots, it is going to be a free-for-all. Who’s been training hard, eating right, and running the stairs? Probably not Addo, but don’t count him out – he’s been around this block before. I don’t want to see any biting in the clinches boys – keep it tidy.
John (Chook) Rezuk has a clear lead in the Bantamweight C-Grade battle. Andrew Harvey (Harves) and Mark Anstee are looking to take this one the full distance, but will need to land some early blows if they are going to catch the Chook. The bantam brigade will always be entertaining, though. Anything is possible, so watch this bout if you want to see a Cinderella story – they could come out of nowhere off the top rope and really scatter the pack.
The Old-boys in the Senior Division would probably rather settle this over a beer than a blue, but that’s not how it works around here. Richard Quinn (Quinny), David Boyd, and Richard Delmenico (Dippa) are all tied with 1 round to go, with Jason Furness a couple further back. If they can muster the effort, and get those dicky hips moving, we might see a ding-dong battle here. Don’t over-do it, though, lads….. We’re not as young as we used to be.
Smokin’ Joe Kelleher holds a solid 3 shot lead in the Vets Division. The distinguished gents of the club have a big field this year, and while they might not land the blows they used to, there is some cracking golf being played. Geoff Pellizer, Bob Toal and Russell Elliot are the closest pursuers, but in a 2-round bout, anything is possible. Good luck to all.
We can’t forget to mention the Ring Master. Huge congrats to Dean Lewis and the team for preparing a fantastic course for the Champs again. Do not take it for granted, folks. We are very lucky to have this course and these conditions.
Best of luck to all of our pugilistic players tomorrow. Step into the ring with confidence, and pray you don’t get stretchered out! Play well.
-Mike Lane
Chief Golf Editor ✍️