Derbyshire Girls vs Staffordshire Girls

MIDLANDS NORTH REGION

COUNTY JUNIOR GIRLS HANDICAP LEAGUE

THE CHASE GOLF CLUB 3^rd June 2021

After over a year without any inter-county matches, it was a delight to see the Derbyshire Girls Handicap Team tee it up again and enjoy a very successful day out at The Chase GC in Staffordshire. With this being a debut for all except Millie Mee and Team Captain Gabby Auld, there was always going to be a few nerves at the start. However, these nerves transformed brilliantly into some impressive, winning golf!

Possibly the biggest crowd that we have experienced for a while gathered to watch on the first tee. With both Millie and Jemima up against single figure handicappers and receiving 10 shots, they led the way bravely on the 1^st tee with absolute belters. Millie had tough competition, losing a couple of holes early on but almost snatching it back towards the end. Unfortunately, she lost after the 16^th hole but Millie’s calm and positive attitude is always admirable to observe. Jemima was also against an experienced player who early on holed a couple 40 ft putts! Despite this, Jemima was off to a strong start and was placing serious pressure on the Staffordshire player (whose Dad we later discovered is a well renowned putting coach!) Jemima finished her first match for Derbyshire with a half which is brilliant- you should be very proud of this Jemima!

Gabby, our Handicap Team Captain, followed with Dot the Derbyshire Dragon supporting from the pocket of her bag. Gabby’s match was very close, dropping to all square after the 15th, she then fought like a true leader to win her match 2 up! The final competitive match for the day saw Claudia being the only player in the team to give away shots. Again, a strong start from Claudia who held the lead most of the way round and kept smiling despite some very unlucky lip outs on the greens at the end. She held on and came off the 18^th with a half – well done Claudia! It is rare that we see 3 matches make it to the 18^th green – it shows you all have great determination. It was a shame that Staffordshire turned up 1 player short, but thank you Olivia for dealing with that disappointing news so well. Alicia and Daisy, thank you for supporting the team as reserves today – it is valuable experience which will hopefully set you up with more confidence for future matches. I know the three of you had a really enjoyable friendly game and I saw some fantastic golf from you all.

Congratulations girls on a fantastic win 3 – 2  

I think everyone was happy to be out playing again and the win is a huge bonus!!

The Chase GC were superb hosts, even if they did put unpopular healthy bits in the sandwiches! Thank you to Eleanor Kelly for helping - Eleanor will be taking on some County Team responsibilities from now on, all parents who supported, and Paul Smith who came to motivate the team too!

Team pictured:

L to R: Claudia Weeks (Chevin), Olivia Barker-Sabido (Chesterfield), Jemima Abbott (Breadsall Priory), Millie Mee (Horsley Lodge), Daisy Parker (Matlock), Alicia White (Kedleston Park).

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