EuroDov Reporter has poured over the stats, the form sheets and consulted their crystal ball and if they are right, we’re in for a real battle for the RyDov Cup.

After analysing all 12 singles matchups they have it poised at 6-6, with Team Gowens winning the final match – important because the team that wins that match has gone on to win the cup 67% of the time.

In the morning singles there is a point available for each match – 12 in total – and in the afternoon the Greensomes offers 2 points per match – meaning a further 12 points are available.

At this point it is worth remembering that Team Love require 14 points to retain the trophy, but Team Gowens require 14.5 points to win it.

Let’s unleash EuroDov Reporter on the stat books for one more time and see what they have to say on the 6 Greensomes matches and where the RyDov Cup will be headed after the close of play.

Match 1 features Greg Baxter & Andy Love v Graeme Connor & Richard Mair.

Let’s start with Baxter/Love – Andy Love hasn’t been stupid here in rekindling a partnership with Greig Baxter that saw them beat, wait for it, Graeme Connor, so convincingly back in 2021. In fact, this pairing has played 3 RyDov Cups together with 2 wins and 1 defeat on their record, making them one of the most successful pairings in RyDov history.

They’ll be up against what feels like quite a formidable pairing, however. Mair’s steady game can be a perfect foundation for Connor to free up the swing and go for it. Don’t be surprised to see some impressive scoring out of these two.

Looking at the record books Mair stands out, in 2 appearances he’s yet let to lose in the afternoon, however impressive that is 2 appearance a trend does not make.

Looking at Andy Love however he’s won 43% of his points in 7 appearances and Baxter 70% - that’s a strong that places Andy Love with the 15th best win percentage and Baxter in 4th place (ranking based on players who have played 3 or more Cups.)

Connor isn’t a slouch either winning 60% of his points to place 6 on the list.

Looking at the handicaps Connor/Mair will have the slimmest of margins with just 1 stroke advantage, it’s an advantage but certainly nothing to shout about.

This match isn’t going to be decided on talent alone, it’s going to be who wants it most, and who is willing to hang in there till the final handshake.

This is a real hard one to call but I am going to give the advantage to Baxter/Love. Both of them are ferocious competitors, who play the game in the right way. Baxter’s ability in matchplay is almost unparalleled on the Tour and when the round stretches into the latter holes his tenaciousness will drag the pair over the line.

Team Love 8 – 6 Team Gowens