THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 17, 1995 TAG: 9510170402
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Defending champion Cox carries a six-shot lead over Eastern District titlist Granby as the 36-hole Eastern Region golf tournament winds up today at Red Wing Golf Course in Virginia Beach.
Cox, the Beach District regular-season and tournament champion, had four players in the 70s in Monday's opening round, played at Norfolk's Ocean View Golf Course. Led by Troy Cummings' 4-over-par 74, the Falcons registered a 309 total. Granby's 315 was sparked by Gary Crutcher's 76.
The top two teams and six low scorers on nonqualifying teams advance to the state tournament.
Granby stands nine strokes ahead of third-place Bayside (324) and 12 in front of Churchland (327).
``Don't write us or Churchland off for second place,'' Bayside coach Bob Parker said. ``We can make up that deficit. Our team is playing well.''
Kellam's Adam Dixon, the Beach District medalist a year ago, flashed that same form in posting the low opening-round score - a 3-over 73.
Dixon, a senior on a nonqualifying team, played the back nine in 1-under 34. He had a birdie on the 11th hole and pars the rest of the way. On the front he had five pars and four bogeys.
Cox's Cummings, who was one stroke back, was more interested in his team's title hopes than his own.
``I think we have the upper hand now,'' said Cummings, a senior and captain of the Cox team. ``This was Granby's home course and we're six ahead. Now we have the home edge and I think we can hold it.''
Cummings nearly eagled the 18th hole when a wedge shot was just 5 inches short. The birdie gave him 38-36.
``I might have done a little better, but I'm happy with my round,'' he said.
His teammate Matt Paulson was region medalist last year and is tied for fifth at 77. Darren Alexander and Ryan Roebuck both added 79s for the Falcons.
Granby had three scorers in the 70s as the Ocean View course was stretched out with the tees at the most distant points. Jason Copeland posted 77 and Matt Hahne carded 79. Cameron Tenney, the Eastern District medalist, had 83.
Twenty players in the 94-player field finished in the 70s. Bayside had a 76 from Ryan Garland and a 79 from David White. Robert Davis paced Churchland with 77.
Play resumes at 9 a.m. today. by CNB