Seth Topham completed the East Riding Junior strokeplay / matchplay double when he saw off Tom Adcock 3&2 at Hull Golf Club.
Seth reached the final after having the morning off due to an unfortunate football injury to his semi final opponent, Will Bentley of Beverley & East Riding Golf Club. That left just one semi final to be played as Tom Adcock of Cave Castle took on Hull's Tom Hinks in some pretty torrid conditions.
The Cave Castle East Riding regular raced to five up through five before Hinks settled and started to use his superior knowledge of the Hull greens. He battled back around the turn and took the match all the way to the 16th, before Adcock sealed his place in the final 4&2.
The final began in full waterproofs and bobble hats with the weather worsening. Seth got out of the blocks quickly and was 2up through three and held Tom at arm's length before the key moment arrived at the par 5 12th.
At 3 down, Tom was on the apron in two with Seth facing a tricky 4th from right of the green. Somehow Seth got up and down for a par, whilst Tom had an unmentionable chip, followed by a knifed 4th to gift the Hornsea man a four hole lead. Halves at 13 and 14 followed to leave Seth dormie 4 up and the title within his grasp.
A fine Adcock par at 15 extended the match to the short 16th, where he couldn't convert his exceptional bunker shot and Seth shook hands (below) a worthy 3&2 victor.
An excellent final played in a great spirit was a fitting way to end the junior season. Hull Golf Club Captain Margaret Ibson (below left) presented the trophy to Seth to complete the strokeplay / matchplay double for him having won the Junior Championship at Hainsworth Park back in August. He took home the Golden Jubilee Trophy presented by Edward Clark (below right) in 1997, the year of his ERUGC presidency. Edward has overseen the matchplay tournament for nearly 30 years and ERUGC Secretary John Illingworth thanked him for his unwavering support for the Union.
Thanks to all at Kirk Ella for courtesy of the course and looking after all of the players and a large band of supporters throughout the day.The course was in superb condition, despite the weekend rain, with the greens still running fast and true - a credit to Dave Norton and his greens staff. A special mention also to Beverley's Will Bentley and dad Paul who travelled to Hull to watch the final despite not being able to play on the day. We'll do it all again next year!
Jonathan Clark
ERUGC Junior League Secretary
