Orchard hikes lead to 6 vs Del Monte

BACOLOD , Philippines   â€“ Orchard held its own against Marapara’s testy layout yesterday to build a six-point lead at the halfway mark of the Philippine Airlines Interclub men’s championship here.

Stephen King Stehmeier, who could have made it as a pro only if he wanted to, authored Orchard’s second-day charge with 32 points built around three birdies and four bogeys.

At the end of the bright and sunny day, Orchard pooled together 109 points, a big drop from its 129 the other day, but just enough to keep the team ahead of the chasing pack.

Orchard, never a champion in this prestigious tournament, now has a 238 total, which is six points up on Del Monte (106-232). Alabang Country Club is in third at 118-227.

Cebu Country Club, eyeing a third consecutive title, is in fourth after a 110 for 225. Unless it closes in today, the Cebuanos may kiss their hopes goodbye.

The third round will be played back at Binitin.

“We feel confident,” said Orchard’s team captain, Francis Montallana, as his players joyfully gathered at the practice green of Marapara.

“Everybody has played now. We just have to balance our team for the last two days,” added Montallana, who drew 29 points from Jan Phillipe De Claro, 25 from Tomas Julio Benitez and 23 from either Alan August Stehmeir or Ian Arcilla.

Del Monte’s team captain, Kristine Leonen talked about their chances of regaining the title they last won in 2011 on home soil.

“Six points is still manageable,” said Leonen.

“But it’s really difficult to say. We have four persons to get six points. If one person can do that then why not,” said Leonen, who got 30 points from Miel Cubillo, 28 from Noel Langamin, 27 from Magno Arancon and 21 from Jovencio Lusterio.

Leonen said Del Monte will go for it but couldn’t say where or when.

“Both courses present different challenges so it’s difficult to say which is more crucial. Every day is important. We just need to shuffle our players,” she said.

Alabang was the best team for the day with its 118 total behind Justin Quiban’s 37, Andres Saldana’s 34, Miguel Shah’s 24 and Paul Salvador’s 23.

But anything can happen, even for Cebu Country Club, which is 13 points and just a very good day behind the leader.

Ramoncito Garcia and Bayani Garcia had identical 29s while Eric Deen and Marico Sarmiento both had 26 points.

This year’s Interclub is being co-sponsored by CrossOver with Boeing, Philippines Graphic, Stargate Media (People Asia) and Rogue as corporate backers. Also lending support are Airbus, Business Mirror, One Mega Group (Travel Now), Philippine Broadcasting Corporation, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Petron and Manila Bulletin.

Valley Golf stayed on top of the Founders Division with its 96 points built on Adrian Mauricio’s 29 and Raymund Puyat’s 24. Valley is now 10 points ahead of Apo Golf with its 210.

Apo squeezed 27 points from Juan Alba and 25 from Enrico Gabino.

Club Filipino took the lead in the Sportswriters Division with 197, followed by Lumbia at 193 and Bacolod Golf at 191. South Cotabato continued to pace the Friendship Division with 91 for 171, followed by Victorias Golf at 166 and Fil-Am Hawaii at 158.