DCG – SENIOR LADIES – MATCH REPORT

Match:            Leicestershire & Rutland v Derbyshire

Venue:            Lingdale Golf Club

Date:               Monday 14 August 2023

Having seen the weather forecast the night before it was touch and go if the match was even going to go ahead, with thunder and rain expected and the course still open we travelled to Lingdale.  With both teams assembled and breakfast cobs consumed the teams were announced and we were off to the tee.  The weather very dull and threatening but course playable. 

With Powell and Gascoigne doing the starting, as Sarah - L&R’s Captain, was playing, all teams eventually set off.  Sue & myself then retreated to the Clubhouse to go through paperwork and fixtures for 2024 – a good job done - we were then out walking the course to follow the teams.

 Mel Davey, our County Vice Captain for 2024, and the experienced Janet Doleman from Mickleover, led the Derbyshire team out against Diana Miller and Jo Groom.  With a close match when we caught up with them they were confident they were in control of the match – which proved to be the case - they walked in with a 3&1 win, well done. 

The next three matches were very close: Deb Eaglefield, our County Captain and Mel Prime, our Immediate Past County Captain, fought back from 2 down to be all square after the 17^th but L&R, having better knowledge of the hole, won the match 1up – frustrating, if only we could take that shot again !  The 18^th being a very tricky Par 3 downhill protected by bunkers.  Read on, it caught a few out.  Alyson Connell of Horsley & Sue Drake of Chesterfield battled hard against the strong pairing of Andrena Porter and Jenny Woodland eventually losing 3&1.  Then, yet gain, that 18^th hole took another win for L&R, from Gill Lockwood of Ashbourne & Sandra Walters of Tapton, so hard to have attacked the match over 17 holes to then lose on the 18^th. Hard luck you two, it could have gone either way. 

Our luck was beginning to turn when Jan Bilbie from Breadsall and Janet Thomas from Chevin won their match 3&1, a keenly fought game and excellent result against the L&R Captain Sarah Bowler and Karen Latter, well done you two.  Carol Simpson & Kay Kearton – always a strong pairing - went on to win 5&3 against Sue Pritchard and Helen Shaw, we needed that well done.  The score was now 3 games each with two to come in. 

Rosemary Whitehouse of Chevin and Shelagh Lancaster of Matlock – a familiar pairing in the seniors for 2023 - halved their match against Sue Pallett & Lynda Bramley – phew all square after the 17^th they managed to halve the 18^th – how did they do it !!  Well done. 

So it was down to the last pairing of Lesley Watson and Sandra Maxwell both from Chevin – guess what they were all square after the 17^th – and yes, we lost 1 down on the 18^th to Paula Shaw and Sue Barker, L&R’s President.  That 18^th hole had proved to be our nemesis throughout the day.  But well played you two – great battle throughout.  

The match over the end result was 4½ to L&R and 3½ to Derbyshire – so close - with 4 matches ending at the 18^th. 

We sat down to a very tasty and most welcome 2 course meal.  The Captains announced the results and the L&R Captain had great pleasure in handing over the Wooden Spoon for this match to the Derbyshire Captain.  This is now with Sue Powell to hopefully hand back in 2024, good luck Sue. 

Sue & I also took the opportunity to make two announcements:-  

a)      I had the great pleasure to award Lesley Watson with her Senior Colours, well done Lesley, well deserved and thank you for playing – you’ve strengthened the team and had some great results.  

b)     Sue then announced her Vice Captain and ultimately Seniors Captain for 2025/26 as being Janet Thomas, congratulations from all of us Janet.  Sue rightly said JT had been the County Captain through Covid, not an easy journey, Captaincy of the Seniors will most definitely be a smoother ride.  Having got to know the players and match days Sue is looking forward to the captaincy and to working with JT.  I know they’ll both be brilliant at encouraging and motivating the team for the few years ahead.  We’re in good hands. 

The last match for 2023 against our fellow Counties is against Warwickshire at West Mids Golf Club on Tuesday 19 September. At that course the 18^th is an island green, a par 3 of 140 yards, totally surrounded by water, the website says it is reminiscent of the 17^th at Sawgrass, one of the most famous holes in golf! –  to the players, please get practicing your target golf ! 

Take care all. 

Judy 

Judy Gascoigne

DCG – Senior Ladies Captain 22/23

07854 732590

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