Derbyshire v Shropshire at Erewash Valley Golf Club Wednesday 5th July 2023

Match Report

Team List 1) Catrin Russell 2) Jemima Abbott 3) Millie Mee 4) Lesley Watson 5) Libby Harrison 6) Mel Prime 7) Debbie Deakin Reserves: Debs Eaglefield (Travelling)

This was the first match of the 2023 season and the first match for me as 2nd Team Captain. (Gulp!)

The first success of the day was that all of my team arrived safely (although I know Debs Eaglefield was more than ready to step into the breech if required) as did the opposition. Once both teams were fed and watered with the obligatory breakfast cobs (“Do they really improve one’s game” I ask as a vegetarian?) we were off to the first tee for the foursomes matches. The weather conditions were a bit chilly (especially on the buggy…Brrr) with a bit of a cool breeze but all in all not to bad. The course looked in good condition and invited a good day’s golf to be played.

All of the foursomes were hard fought with some fantastic golf on view. This battle ended with a win, a loss and a half being the result.

Once the local delicacy of Birds rolls with various fillings and chips (what could be finer?) had been consumed it was off to the 1st tee for the singles matches with all to play for. With a tactical sub being played by us for the singles it continued to be game on.

As a spectator it was an emotional roller coaster. I was buzzing around on my buggy like a mad thing trying to keep up with scores, thankfully helped by Debs – up in one game, all square in another down in one, then no they are coming back, oh no, now they are down, and they are up…etc etc. I’m sure you get the picture. As the matches ended it was looking good with 3 wins under our belt. All we needed was a half but despite the very best efforts of those concerned it was just not to be and the afternoon matches ended in a draw 3-3 with the overall match result also being a draw. The only way to celebrate that was with tea and cakes. How jolly civilised we are. For my first match as Team Captain, it was fabulous. There were some brilliant wins, great commitment and effort from the team, great team spirit and a solid start to out fixtures. In addition to this our juniors showed great form and maturity, which justified their selection to an experienced team.

Well done to all

Fiona Roberts County Lady Vice Captain and 2nd Team Captain

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