Bathurst co-captain Darryn Bruce told the Western Advocate last week, that he was predicting a 3-2 win for his side.

Maybe the Forbes team had been reading the paper and received a boost in motivation, because it was actually Forbes who walked away with a 3-2 win. 

Fifth seed Ben Mackey and fourth seed Brad Cooke won both their games five and four, for Bathurst’s only wins on the Cowra green.

Bruce went up against Peter Dawson, who he defeated in the 2016 competition.

“He was looking for revenge and he played some great golf. He took the game away from me,” he said.

“He hit a four iron to within a foot on the 11^th hole, for an unlikely birdie. It was a key moment because I was three down, looking to win that hole.” 

Darrell Bourke lost his tie one up on the last, in a spectacular finish. 

First seed Scott Matheson returned to the Bathurst lineup and faced Steve Betland.

Bruce had expected John Betland to be Forbes’ number one seed, but his brother Steve played in his absence.  

Betland took home the result against Matheson, playing some classy cricket on his way to the victory.

“He [Matheson] had a couple under par, but he was chasing all day. When someone [Betland] is scoring birdies on every second hole, it’s a bit hard. But he and the other young guys played well.”

Bathurst sit second in the pool, keeping them in a hunt for a semi final spot. 

Parkes sit top with two wins. 

Bathurst will have a bye this coming weekend, while Forbes and Cowra face off at the Parkes Golf Club.

The next time Bathurst play, it will be against Parkes at Forbes on March 5. 

He said he doesn’t know much about the Parkes team, but has observed them in action this season

“They like to swap and change their side around a bit, but that must be working for them,” Bruce said.  

Bruce thought it was best not to give a prediction on the tie against Parkes.