GUN golfer Ash Whitehouse says a halved result against Red Cliffs to open the new pennant campaign is a great result.
Red Cliffs were strong favourites heading into the campaign but split the points with Mildura in the opening round at Merbein last week.
Red Cliffs now have to follow up against Coomealla on the defending champions’ home course on Sunday, while Midura tackle Riverside.
Whitehouse’s one-up win over district championship winner Dom Vartuli proved vital to the result, and the former hopes his side can build on the momentum.
“That was always going to be a match-up that could go either way,” Whitehouse said.
“Dom has obviously been in really good form at Country Week last week and in the district championships before that.
“Overall it was probably a good result for Mildura because on paper Red Cliffs definitely appear to be the strongest side of the four.
“To get a halved result against them was solid and Red Cliffs play Coomealla over on Coomie’s home deck this week, which should make for an interesting match-up.”
Rob Toms, who secured an important squared result against Justin McPhee, will be missing for Mildura this week.
Jayben McManus will take his place alongside Whitehouse, Cam Stewart, Joe Rocca and captain Mark Woodhouse.
“I actually had to face him (Toms) in the third round of the Mildura Match Play Championships and he was a hard man to get past,” Whitehouse said.
“To come out all square against a strong player like Justin, I think he did really well.
“Jayben is a handy player with a long drive off the tee.
“As long as he keeps it straight, he’ll do well.
“If we can get a good win on the board this week, hopefully we’ll have set ourselves up in a really good position.”
Division 1 men will tee off from 10.30am.
Meanwhile, Coomealla and Mildura will look to extend their lead over the women’s division at the NSW course on Sunday.
Both teams won 4-1 last week and will now swap opponents, Coomealla to face Red Cliffs and Mildura against Riverside.
Early Division 2 leaders Robinvale and Merbein also go head-to-head in a cracking contest.
First tee off is at 8am.
