Pittwater pair’s putters run hot to break Roberts Trophy drought

PITTWATER broke a seven-year drought with victory in the Southern Country Golf Association RHL Roberts Memorial Trophy on Sunday.

Kingston Beach Golf Club hosted the semi and final rounds but it did not help the home pairing.

The morning round saw Pittwater’s Anthony Archer and Andrew Reynolds defeat Kingston Beach’s Matthew Glover and David

Pretyman 1-up at the 18th hole in an exciting encounter, while the Tasmania pairing of Stuart Bonnitcha and John Milbourne downed Tea Tree Golf Club’s Dylan Backhouse and Kyedon Grueber 4&3.

Morning victories ensured spots in the final for both teams which saw the lads from Pittwater claim victory over Tasmania 3&2.

“Kingston Beach were tough to beat in the morning round, but we held on with some good putting,” Archer said.

“In the final, we were really consistent and didn’t give John and Stuart any free holes.”

Sunday’s win by Pittwater is the club’s fourth RHL Roberts Trophy title, with all four victories coming at the hands of Archer and Reynolds.

“Andrew played great on Sunday and we have always combined well as a team,” said Archer.

“Over the years we’ve faced some tough opponents and played some great matches.”

Pittwater Golf Club previously won the prestigious RHL Roberts Trophy title in 2002, 2013 and 2014.

Meanwhile, 144 women representing 36 clubs have entered the Barclay Shield next Monday at the Mowbray Golf Club.

The popular foursomes event commemorates Grace, Lillias and Effie Barclay, who gave many years of service to Tasmanian golf.

The championship is contested over 18 holes, with the winning team having the lowest net aggregate stroke total.