Scott Crichton leads way in Leopard Trophy win

Published on Thursday 16 February 2012 00:00

Aberdour’s in-form Scott Crichton played the leading role as the SGU Men’s National Squad defeated South Africa in an International Test Match to clinch the Leopard Trophy for the first time since 2010.

International Test Match to clinch the Leopard Trophy for the first time since 2010.

Holding a two-point overnight lead at Leopard Creek Country Club, the Scots achieved a 11½-9½ success despite a spirited singles comeback from the hosts.

Crichton, fresh from finishing in a share of sixth place in the South African Stroke Play last week, was the star of the show.

The Fifer, third on the SGU Men’s Order of Merit last year, won all four of his ties (foursomes and singles) as the Scots achieved a memorable triumph.

The visitors extended their overnight 6½-4½ lead to four points after winning all three morning foursomes.

For a second day running, Fraser McKenna (Balmore) combined with Crichton to win, this time beating South Africa’s No 1 Brandon Stone and Shaun Smith 2&1. Fife pair Brian Soutar (Leven GS) and James White (Lundin) then defeated. JP Strydom and Drikus Bruyns 4&3. CJ du Plessis and Zander Lombard also went down for the hosts, losing 3&1 to Daniel Kay (Dunbar) and his new partner, Conor O’Neil of Pollok.

Haydn Porteous, winner of the Stroke Play Championship, who was to play Kirkhill’s Paul Shields in a singles match, earned South Africa’s lone point when the Scot had to withdraw due to a stomach ailment. Crichton then again beat Stone by a hole in the opening afternoon singles tie and McKenna followed suit, ousting Du Plessis by the same margin. The wins gave the Scots overall victory, but South Africa won the last four singles ties to mean the SGU Squad only triumphed by two points.

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