Another ‘close but no cigar’ encounter for Tairāwhiti golfers at Freyberg Masters

Waka Donnelly had a half for Tairāwhiti in their narrow loss to Waikato in Round 6 of the Freyberg Masters golfing interprovincial on the Omaha Beach course in Auckland. Photo / Paul Rickard

Tairāwhiti’s quest to add to their team score fell agonisingly short on day 4 of the Freyberg Masters interprovincial golf tournament in Auckland this morning.

The bottom-seeded Tairāwhiti were pipped 3½-1½ by Waikato in Round 6 of the over-40s matchplay competition being held on the Omaha Beach course.

It was a tie virtually decided by one hole.

Tairāwhiti No 4 Waka Donnelly halved his match with Stephen Sandford, while No 5 Richard Apanui lost to Thomas Scheepers 1-down.

No 2 Anaru Reedy once again spearheaded the Tairāwhiti challenge. A veteran of many Freyberg Masters, Reedy has consistently anchored the side over the years and has continued that role at this edition of the 39-year-old tournament.

Reedy’s 2 and 1 defeat of Jamie Kennedy made it five wins from six matches for the Electrinet Gisborne Park club member, who this year took up the NZ Golf role of Tairāwhiti Golf participation and club support co-ordinator.

No 1 Jace Brown, battling admirably at the top of the order, lost 5 and 3 to Stuart Baird.

No 4 David Solomann was beaten 2 and 1 by Gavin Cortesi.

Tairāwhiti collected 1½ team points in the opening two rounds, but have been unable to add to that tally.

They went into this afternoon’s Round 7 clash with North Harbour in 11th position on the table on 1½ team points and 11 individual wins.

They were ahead of Tasman (who they play in the final round), Northland and Southland.