Published on 6th March 2021

2021 PACK Plate

PACK Plate Final Round – Friday, 5 March

Avondale’s usually imperturbable Senior Golfers played Killara at Pennant Hills GC on 5th March in the Final Round to settle 1st and 2nd place of the PACK Plate for 2021.

Our usually talented 8-member team of Geoff Hopkins, Bruce McCarthy, John Weaver, Kevin Aitken, Greg Slade, Ron Thomson, Ian Pont and John Knight lost to a superior (on the day) Killara 6 matches to 2. There were a couple of close matches but only Ron Thomson and Ian Pont recorded wins.

Kevin Aitken and Greg Slade went close to recording the two extra wins needed for Avondale to win the Plate for a record 4th time but ultimately succumbed at the 17th hole.

At this stage of the match report I usually report on some outstanding shots from team Avondale, but this time, only Killara seemed to hit great long shots, chip-ins or long putts. Congratulations to Killara which has now won the PACK Plate for the first time in the nine years of the competition. A well-deserved victory, undefeated in 2021.

In the other Game, and Concord overcame Pymble 5 matches to 3. Concord, Pennant Hills and Pymble (wooden spoon), filled positions three to five in 2021.

The excellent celebratory dinner at Pennant Hills was a memorable get together with Darcy Cluff recounting the history of both the PACK Cup and Plate. He also thanked Avondale for the administration and record keeping. Mick Gordon entertained us with a great Plate version of ‘The Times They are a Changing”. Very clever.

Finally, I would again like to thank all the Avondale squad for their enthusiasm, commitment and support. We now look forward to season 2022!

Russell Crofts
Team Manager


PACK Plate – Monday, 1 March
Avondale’s stalwart Senior Golfers took on Concord at Killara GC on 1st March in the second last Round of the PACK Plate for 2021.

Our talented 8-member team of Geoff Hopkins, Bruce McCarthy, John Weaver, Kevin Aitken, Greg Slade, Ron Thomson, Ian Pont and John Knight successfully overcame Concord 5 matches to 3.

There were again some interesting matches but only two reached the 18th hole.  Messrs McCarthy, Aitken, Slade, Thomson and Knight recorded wins. I could summarise some of the shots played by members of both teams as “interesting”.

While all team members played some great shots, I must report that John Knight had the shot of the day that I witnessed. On the 15th John was 1 up with four holes to go. His tee shot was long but hard right towards the out of bounds. Probably due to clean living, John’s ball hit the trees and bounced out in the middle of the fairway. John of course then proceeded to hit a super long fairway wood to a metre for a tap in birdie to win the hole! He then proceeded to comfortably win the 16th, due to shock we think, and win his match against Concord’s captain, Phil Wotton 3 and 2. He then also advised me that this was his third birdie of the day! Well done John.

Bruce McCarthy battled that old campaigner, Mick Gordon, and the scores were pretty even for nearly 11 holes. Bruce then rattled off pars or better to win 4 and 3. Great stuff.

Well done again gentlemen, Avondale is the only undefeated team!

In the other Game, and Pymble shocked Pennant Hills 5 matches to 3.

Thanks to all the Avondale squad for their commitment and support.

This Friday 5th March we play the final match of the season against Killara at Pennant Hills. Avondale needs to Draw or Win that match to win the PACK Plate for a record 4th time!

Russell Crofts
Team Manager


PACK Plate – Tuesday, 23 February

Avondale’s versatile Senior Golfers took on Pymble at Concord GC on 23rd February in the 3rd Round of the PACK Plate for 2021.

Our intrepid 8 member team of Geoff Hopkins, Bruce McCarthy, John Weaver, Kevin Aitken, Greg Slade, Ron Thomson, Ian Pont and Ross McLean successfully overcame Pymble 6 matches to 2.

There were again some arduous and exciting struggles with five matches needing all 18 holes to decide the outcome. Messrs Hopkins, McCarthy, Weaver, Aitken, Slade and Thomson recording wins. Geoff Hopkins birdied the last for a 2up win, Bruce McCarthy and Ron Thomson both pared the last to win one up.

Greg Slade recorded the best win of the day, 6 and 5, with Kevin Aitken 4 and 3 and John Weaver 2 and 1. Ross McLean was unlucky when his opponent had the temerity to sink a 15 footer to beat him 1 down.

Well done gentlemen, Avondale again is the only undefeated team! In the other game, Killara shocked Pennant Hills 5½ matches to 2½.

Thanks to all the Avondale squad for their commitment and support.

Next Monday 1st March Avondale plays Concord at Killara GC in the catch-up match. On Friday 5th March we play the final match of the season against Killara at Pennant Hills. It is lining up to be an exciting finale again!

Russell Crofts
Team Manager


The first round of the PACK Plate competition was held on Tuesday, 9 February at Pymble Golf Club. Congratulations to the Avondale team who defeated Pennant Hills 5 matches to 3. Congratulations to Geoff Hopkins, John Weaver, Kevin Aitken, Ron Thomson and Ian Pont who all recorded wins for Avondale. 

Please click here to read the match report from Russell Crofts. 

Avondale will host round two of the PACK Plate on Tuesday, 16 February at 1.00pm. 

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