Waddell storms through
COTTESMORE’S Mark Waddell and Greg O’Connor have their eyes on the Daily Mail Foursomes trophy after battling gale-force winds to conquer champions Pyecombe in a sudden-death upset. The visitors were three down with four to play before rallying to take Gary Cager and Graham Farmer into overtime. Waddell, off five, held his nerve at the first extra hole, sinking an uphill 10ft putt for a par which sent the Sussex club into the fifth round, where they face North Downs at home. ‘It was a real test,’ Waddell said. ‘I’ve never played in weather like it. There were 60mph gales. You were aiming 70 yards right of the target to hit the green — hilarious!’ The winners are in no doubt what is at stake having seen the prestigious tournament trophy in Pyecombe’s clubhouse. Waddell said: ‘It’s magnificent. Our opponents were gracious in defeat and wished us all the best.’ The duo are now three matches away from October’s finals at Marriott St Pierre. Waddell added: ‘We know we can play well together. When it clicks, it’s very good.’