Coby Carruthers in action from the tournament.  Photo courtesy of Golf NSW

IT was a heartbreaking finish for the NSW Blues at the 2026 Australian Interstate Teams Matches at Glenelg Golf Club, as Victoria proved too strong across both matches to claim the title and end NSW’s hopes of back-to-back honours.

The Blues lost 1.5–6.5 to Victoria in the morning, before losing 2–6 in the afternoon Final, though the scoreline belied just how tight the contest was. Six of the eight matches in the Final went to the 18th hole or beyond, a testament to the fight the Blues showed throughout.

The NSW women finished the week in second place in their division, with the men finishing fifth overall.

The afternoon Final was a gripping contest. Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) delivered a statement win in his final match as an amateur, defeating Bailey Goodall 5&3.

Carruthers, playing the final match of his amateur career, was philosophical about the team’s defeat despite its gutting manner.

“It was a good week. A little bit disappointing that we didn’t get the win today, but we put up a good fight. We have a very good team and everyone had each other’s backs. It just wasn’t meant to be.”

He didn’t shy away from how cruel the closing stretch had been.

“Six matches came down to the last hole; that’s just golf, it’s about who plays better on the day.”

With his amateur career now behind him, Carruthers isn’t wasting a moment. “I’m looking forward to turning pro (professional) and heading to WA tomorrow to play in the Cottesloe Open on the weekend and keep the good form going.”

Carruthers’ matchplay results for the week were four wins and one loss.

FOOTNOTE: Coby played in the 79th Cottesloe Open in WA over the 9-10 May, finishing in a creditable tie for 17th at even par.