Cebu Country Club seeks Interclub history

MANILA, Philippines — A depleted Cebu Country Club squad vows to go flat out for a feat never before achieved in PAL Men’s Interclub history winning the centerpiece Championship crown in back-to-back fashion while playing in the lower division.

Action gets going tomorrow with Manila Southwoods putting up a souped-up roster in a bid to redeem itself from an embarrassing defeat to then host Cebu CC, which snared the coveted overall crown while vying in the Founders division.

But relegated to the Founders again with three of its top players last year begging off due to personal reasons, Cebu CC said it is more than ready to defend the crown it won to match Aguinaldo’s rare feat in the 1980s.

“We came here very prepared,” said Cebu CC team captain Bayani Garcia. “Whether we play in the Championship or Founders, we will be ready to defend our title.”

Interclub rules allow teams coming from the lower ranks to win the Championship division, which Manila Southwoods is expected to dominate this year with a power-packed roster.

The Carmona-based squad was all set to post a team record fifth straight title last year but Cebu CC had other things in mind, spoiling the former’s planned bash with four days of superb shotmaking at home.

Southwoods, Del Monte and Luisita, teams that have solid youth programs, are the other teams campaigning in the Championship division.