Special function planned for Nobilo Trophy winners

 

There was tremendous excitement, pride and quiet satisfaction as Mangawhai's Championship Men's Pennants team won the final of North Harbour's premier Nobilo division on May 12.

Inspired by captain Scott Wightman and astutely managed by Ross Hattaway the team capped a strong season by beating Muriwai 4 ½  to 3 ½  in a closely fought final on the Waitemata (Devonport) course.

It was just a year ago that Mangawhai qualified for the premier division after topping the West Coast section of North Harbour Pennants in 2018 and then winning their promotion-relegation match. 

To win the Nobilo division in just their first year at this level is a stunning achievement for a club that is enjoying a surge in membership and an overall lift in playing standards.

“They're a closely-bonded group and have shown a consistent ability to come through on all kinds of courses and in all kinds of conditions,” says manager Ross Hattaway.

The final was a tense contest as matches progressed and was decided only on the last green as the enthusiastic band of Mangawhai supporters watched on. At that point, with all other matches completed, team scores were tied at 3 ½  each.

Mangawhai number one Tyler Wood was 1-up on the 18th tee and played a superb 270 metre 2 iron to leave himself a comfortable 40 metre pitch to the par 4 green. His opponent, Kevin Koong (like Tyler, a New Zealand representative) realised he needed a birdie to square the match and his choice of driver looked a great option as the ball flew long and straight, only to carry the green and go out of bounds across the road and into a neighbouring property. 

With the pressure on to force a playoff, eventually Kevin's putt failed to find the hole and he tapped in for a 5 and the match was Tyler's – and Mangawhai's!

The tense silence around the green was shattered by the roar from the Mangawhai supporters gathered for the final moments. Team captain Scott Wightman's reaction was modest but understandably proud.

This is unbelievable. To win like this against such a strong team is huge for us. All our boys played their hearts out. This kind of thing is a real team effort and I'm blown away to be part of it.”

With the Nobilo Trophy presented in the clubhouse, the team basked in the glory of the moment and reflected on an outstanding season.

“This is massive for our club,” said a delighted Mangawhai club captain Barry Brennan. “With Northland no longer hosting a championship pennants competition we made the decision two years ago to play in North Harbour. North Harbour association and clubs have been very welcoming, the standard's really high... and now we're right at the top! Brilliant! Just brilliant!”

The winning team will be welcomed and congratulated at a special function in the Mangawhai clubhouse.

Planning is already underway for the 2020 season when it is expected the great majority of the team will again be available. 

Mangawhai’s winning Nobilo Trophy team celebrates the end of a very successful season.