Savident knocks out second seed Eggo at L’Ancresse
JASON SAVIDENT caused the big shock of the DJW Prestige Vehicle Sourcing Men’s Island Championship first round last night as he knocked out 11-time champion Bobby Eggo.
In an epic encounter, the five-handicap who works as HM Sheriff in Guernsey, eventually overcame the second seed at the 21st hole of a match Savident had led by four holes at the turn only to find himself pegged back to all-square by the time they reached the 16th.
Having had putts to win the contest on the 18th, 19th and 20th greens, Savident made an excellent up-and-down from the left of the par-three 21st, but at the time believed that would only be good enough to salvage a half with Eggo close in two.
However, he left his par putt on the high side of the hole and a somewhat stunned Savident was through.
‘At 4 up at the turn, I got a bit defensive and, to be fair, Bobby played the back nine in 34 gross,’ said the victor.
‘I was a bit nervy on the 19th, but I fancied that putt on the second [the 20th hole of the match].
‘When I holed that putt on the third, though, I just thought I would be going down another hole.’
It was a remarkable conclusion to an evening that had otherwise been quite predictable, although there were a couple of notable performances from juniors in defeat.
Danny Bisson certainly knew he had been in a match as teenager Conor McKenna took him all the way to the 18th while Lewis Marley played some really solid golf and was unfortunate to come up against CJ Elmy who had four birdies in his victory.
There is one Marley left in the draw, though, as Lewis’ father Mick beat La Grande Mare’s Ben Hibbins.
The two other seeds in the bottom half of the draw eased through to the second round.
Jamie Blondel required just 13 holes to see off the challenge of Michael Knight while Tom Le Huray went just one hole further against Will Davidson.
Meanwhile, Savident’s reward for his memorable victory is a clash with Wayne Harwood, who overcame a fast start by Graeme Falla to win in 15 holes.
Results: J Blondel beat M Knight 6/5; B Hibbins lost to M Marley 4/3; L Marley lost to CJ Elmy 4/3; C McKenna lost to D Bisson 2 down; T Le Huray beat W Davidson 6/4; P Rogers gave A Boyd a walkover; G Falla lost to W Harwood 4/3; J Savident beat R Eggo at the 21st.
