Orchard earns Fed League playoff ticket

MANILA, Philippines - Title-hungry Orchard virtually clinched a berth in the playoff round when it swept Eagle Ridge in the men’s Federation Golf League matches in various venues recently.

Orchard improved its record to five wins against a loss and with 15 points, the Dasmariñas, Cavite club can drop its last two matches and still make it, leaving Alabang, Eagle Ridge and Mimosa in a contest for the other available slot in Group 3. Alabang needs to win just one of its two remaining games to clinch at least a tie for the other slot in Group 3 while both Eagle Ridge and Mimosa need to sweep their remaining games to stay alive.

Valley, meanwhile, made it 5-of-5 after the Antipolo golfers trounced an erstwhile unbeaten Canlubang, 4.5-.5, in a home game to boost its qualifying bid for the playoff round.

Valley got the first half in a duel of unbeaten squads, taking four wins and splitting the scramble format to seize the league leadership with 15 points, three up on Canlubang and an idle Forest Hills. Valley and Canlubang squared off anew yesterday with the former going for a win that would give it at least a tie for a quarterfinals slot.

Former champion Sta. Elena ended a seven-game losing streak by turning back Manila Southwoods, 3-2.

Riviera, Eastridge and defending champion Wack Wack are slugging it out for the two slots in Group 1. After a split with Riviera, Eastridge went into the weekend facing Wack Wack in a crucial showdown, with the latter needing a draw to stay in playoff contention.