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 5 features Kevin Brannan & David McColgan v Ally Greenshields & Callum McNeill.

Brannan/McColgan have 17 appearances between them coming into this match-up against just the 3 of Greenshields/McNeill.

The Founders pairing boast a 56%-win percentage and a 25%-win percentage respectively and played together in 2018 losing 3&2. They are a pairing that knows each other’s games well and have played alongside each other in high pressure moments, none more so than the final round of the EuroDov Cup where it all came down to the final putt on the 54th hole.

Across the leaderboard is Greenshields/McNeill. Co-sanctioned players from the SanWedge Tour. McNeill is 1 for 2 in the format over the years and Greenshields won in 2023 on his debut.

The contrast in these pairings couldn’t be any greater. You’ve got the steady and sure headed Brannan, partnered with McColgan’s ability against a Greenshields/McNeill who can beat anyone on their day, but can equally crumble like Greenshields defeat to partner McNeill in the Tour’s matchplay event.

You’ll not find a match that features two more opposing teams in the 2024 line-up. McColgan’s ability should be a platform for Brannan to play freely and confidently, they’ll plot their way round calmly and diligently and be a thorn in the side of any partnership.

However, they start with an 11 shot – yes eleven shot – deficit on the handicaps, one of the largest we’ve ever seen, and that is going to be a considerable mountain to climb. I think Brannan/McColgan give it a great go, but in the end the numbers are just stacked against them. Team Gowens wins this match to spoil the celebrations, for now.

Team Love 12 – 10 Team Gowens