LLGA returns to Aldeburgh

The Legals were once again warmly welcomed at Aldeburgh GC for this very enjoyable annual match.  Following a salad lunch on arrival the ladies headed out to play 12 singles matches in warm but blustery conditions.  Parts of the course have been remodelled over the winter and although the new holes are finished they are not yet open for play.  As a result the front nine had a few temporary holes but the course was otherwise in wonderful condition.

Sophie Warner (Aldeburgh CG) and Ellie Evans

There were some tight matches but the home team prevailed 7-5.   The match was followed by a very good dinner in the Clubhouse which was much enjoyed by all.  Susie Rougier welcomed the LLGA to Aldeburgh and Claire Gearing thanked Susie and, in her absence, Gillie for all the organisation that went into the event as well as for the very warm welcome received from all the ladies and at the Club overall.

Hilary Wynter, Louise Morse (Aldeburgh GC), Christine Wightman and Pippa Lark

The following morning the teams re-assembled at 9 am for the foursomes match.  In the absence of Clare Weatherill there was some re-organisation of the pairings with Claire Johnson playing for the home team to make up five matches for the morning.  The weather was wet and windy so it was agreed that if any match wished to finish after nine holes they might do so.  However, after the initial hour the weather cleared and the sun even made a faint attempt at an appearance, so all matches were played over the 18 holes and everyone agreed they were very glad they had gone out to play rather than retreat to the bridge tables.

Claire Johnson, Caroline Theyer and Helen Lane (Aldeburgh GC)

There was a snack lunch after the match and thanks were again given for hosting the Legals. Some of the team headed home after lunch but a few stayed on for an afternoon of bridge and shopping/walking and enjoyed a relaxed dinner at The Dolphin in Thorpeness.  Hilary Wynter had kindly offered to organise a round at Thorpeness for those who wished it and in the end Hilary, Caroline Theyer, Ellie Evans and Claire Gearing had a very enjoyable game in much better-than-expected weather.  It was a lovely few days.

The result of the foursomes was 3-2 to Aldeburgh so the overall result was 10-7 in favour of Aldeburgh GC. 

Bar Match moves to Huntercombe

After many years of playing this fixture at The Berkshire the annual mixed match against The Bar moved location to Huntercombe GC. It turned out to be a beautiful day which saw Huntercombe at its best. The course was in great condition and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Unfortunately the Bar had two late drop outs so were down to six players . In the absence of their organiser, Glenn Holmwood of the Bar took over the organisation on the day and made some adjustments to the playing order resulting in Glenn and Jack Owen playing as singles in the morning. In the afternoon Niran de Silva and Geoff Solomon were the singletons.

Jack Owen was a great asset for The Bar as he had been a professional and played off +2. He was a joy to watch.

In the morning:

Sara Reston and Sarah Brownlee beat Niran de Silva and Michael Stevens

Jo Rickard and Ann Cockroft drew against Jack Owen

Di Kyle and Fran Chatham beat Geoff Solomon and Phil Reeves

Meg Ashby and Sue Symons lost to Glenn Holmwood

In the afternoon:

Sarah Brownlee and Di Kyle lost to Jack Owen and Glenn Holmwood

Tricia Tallon and Jo Rickard drew against Michael Stephens and Phil Reeves

Fran Chatham and Sara Reston beat Norman de Silva

Meg Ashby and Sarah Rosevear beat Geoff Solomon

So a final result 5 -3 in favour of LLGA .

Most of the matches were very close. Thanks were given to the absent organisers Oliver Woolley and Ellie Evans.  Michael Stephens presented the Pittman/Wheeler trophy to acting captain Di Kyle, with some kind words as to how much this event was appreciated by the Bar and how much they had enjoyed playing this for the first time at Huntercombe.

The Inter-Association returns to West Hill

L to R: Jemma Ralph, Pippa Lark, Hilary Wynter, Ann Cockroft, Becca Atkins, Caroline Theyer, Sarah Rosevear, Sara Reston, Sarah Brownlee

The Inter-association returned to West Hill this year, on Tuesday 15th April.  The Legals were drawn against the LMGS in the morning.  Despite staggered starts on various tees the morning round was fairly slow but the golf was very competitive.  The LLGA team was led out by Sara Reston followed by Ann Cockroft, Jemma Ralph, Pippa Lark, Becca Atkins, Sarah Brownlee and Sarah Rosevear.   The Legals managed a 4/3 win in the morning and had a quick lunch before meeting the cup holders, the USLGA, in the afternoon; the USLGA having defeated the SWGA in the morning session.

Although the LLGA suffered a couple of early losses in the afternoon, rumours were circulating that the LLGA were ahead in the remaining five matches.  However, the heavens opened unexpectedly at the tail end of some of the matches and a heavy deluge resulted in flooded greens.  The third match agreed a half and all the players had at least one hole where it was necessary to find relief on the greens to be able to putt out.

A couple of wins for the LLGA evened out the score but when the score went to 3½  to 2½ in favour of the USLGA it was obvious that due to the scoring system for the competition even a draw would result in a USLGA victory.  Hilary Wynter, who replaced Sarah Rosevear in the afternoon session, was therefore called in and the LLGA conceded victory to the USLGA.  The USLGA, having lost to the Legals in the final of the Wilton Shield the previous week, were delighted to have their revenge and retain the Inter-Association cup for another year.

A great team effort to get so close to victory. Thanks to all the players and trolley pullers as well as to the LJGA for another very well organised event and to all at West Hill for looking after the teams so well.