02/08/12
Graeme Robertson is the sole seed left standing at Royal Dornoch, meaning the battle for the The Scottish Amateur Championship is wide open with this afternoon’s last-16 ties all in progress.
Glenbervie’s Robertson, the top seed, recovered from two down with five to play and one down with three to edge out Charlie MacNeal (Troon Welbeck) and stay on course for the national title.
The University of Stirling student, who has enjoyed an impressive season, felt he was “gifted” the 16th and 17th by MacNeal to achieve his one-hole success. The Ayrshireman bogeyed the 16th and then three-putted the 17th from 30 feet.
“It was a struggle, but somehow I got through,” said the 24-year-old. “I didn’t deserve it but it’s a win.”
Robertson is facing Craig Deerness in their fifth-round clash after the Harburn player edged out Aberdour’s Scott Crichton, the SGU National Men’s Squad member, at the 18th.
James White, another squad player, also saw his challenge come to end, losing 3&2 to Gordon Stevenson of Whitecraigs. Inverness man Bryan Fortheringham is his opponent in the next round, after he edged out Elie’s Keith Shanks, also at the 18th.
Craig Ross of Kirkhill progressed too, defeating Callum Trahan (Meldrum House) by 2&1, while Alexander Cuverwell (Dunbar) won the battle of the Lothians to oust James Ross of Royal Burgess at the second extra hole.
Craigie Hill’s Daniel Young, winner of the Cameron Corbett Vase this year, was another notable name to fall, beaten by Ian Rennie (Hindhead) 3&2.
But Dumfries & County’s Greig Marchbank, bidding for a notable double after winning last week’s Stephen Gallacher Foundation Scottish Boys Stroke Play, again impressed to defeat Christopher Young from Cardross 2&1. Marchbank was presented with a silver quaich today thanks to his stunning hole-in-one at the 13th in yesterday's triumph over Barassie's Jack McDonald.
Former Scottish Boys champion Grant Forrest also caught the eye, with the Craigielaw player crushing Hamilton’s Stewart Henderson 6&4, joining his club mate Greg Smail in the last-16. Smail ended the hopes of Peebles’ Daniel Flannery, who was seeking to claim another national title for his club, after Craig Howie’s win in the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys Championship.
Kilmacolm’s Matthew Clark, the seventh seed, exited at the hands of Donald Macandrew (Royal Aberdeen), meaning northern hopes are still high.
>> Click here for completed fourth-round scores from Royal Dornoch