On a bright but windy Sunday morning, Greystones took on Bray in a fiercely contested Darcy Trophy match. With conditions perfect for golf, the stage was set for a gripping encounter between two competitive sides. Greystones fell just short in a hard-fought contest losing 3.5 to 1.5.
Dylan Holmes set the tone for Greystones with a determined display in a thrilling match that went the distance. After an early setback, losing holes 1, 5 and 6, Holmes found his rhythm, securing a crucial win on 8 to gain momentum. A dominant run on the back nine saw him take 10, 11 and 12, but his opponent fought back on 14. Refusing to back down, Holmes produced a clutch performance in the closing stretch, halving the final three holes to secure a 1-up victory and put a point on the board for Greystones.
David Byrne found himself in a tough contest from the start, losing early holes 1 and 2 before steadying the ship with a series of halved holes. A well earned win on 10 gave him hope, but his opponent responded with victories on 12, 14 and 15, sealing the match 4&3. Byrne fought hard throughout but ultimately came up against a strong opponent on the day.
Alan Condron’s match was a tense affair from the outset, with both players trading early blows. A strong stretch on the front nine saw Condron claim 4, 5 and 6, but his opponent responded well, keeping the match finely balanced. With neither player able to pull away, the contest remained tight heading into the closing holes. A late loss on 17 put Condron under pressure, but he held his nerve on 18 to secure a well earned half point for Greystones.
In the foursomes matches, Jamie Anderson and Toby Murphy were involved in a tightly contested match where momentum swung both ways. After an early exchange of holes, they found their stride mid round, winning 7, 8 and 9 to keep the match poised. Bray edged ahead on the back nine, but Anderson and Murphy continued to fight for every hole, ensuring a competitive finish. In the end, Bray secured the win 3&2.
Milo Doyle and Will O’Riordan also found themselves in a battle, with their match going deep into the back nine. After a slow start, they clawed their way back, winning 7 and 13 while halving multiple holes to keep the pressure on. Unfortunately, a late loss meant their match ended 2&1 in Bray’s favor.
That match brings an end of the Darcy Trophy group stage for Greystones. With some matches still to be played in the group, the team will now wait to see if results go their way to secure a spot in this year’s semi-finals.
