Hertfordshire triumph disappoints Essex on the final day of County Match Week…
The timetable was set up for the perfect showdown on the last morning at Stoke-by-Nayland, at stake the East Region place in the County Finals. A necessarily close encounter, Hertfordshire took the win by three matches to two and will represent the East at Denham in Buckinghamshire (September 6-7, 2021).
President Jo Woodward with Suffolk supporters
As it happened, although the Suffolk team played with plenty of skill and determination over the three days, their results did not reflect their endeavour. They did, however, have an important hand in the overall process because their first match was played against Hertfordshire and they won it. It was the only loss the winning county was to suffer over the three days and certainly added an edge to the final reckoning.
Wet and windswept, Stoke-By-Nayland’s Gainsborough course was a very pleasant place for the native ducks and geese as the golfing ladies from six counties began their round robin battles at the traditional beginning of the English County Championship. For the 42 lady golfers, wearing every item of waterproof clothing they could lay their hands on, it was not so good. Nevertheless, they all set to with a will and played some very creditable golf into the bargain. Covid restrictions decreed that trolley pullers were not allowed, so they juggled clubs and brolleys and smiled at adversity and were pretty pleased to see the few spectators who were braving the elements alongside them.
Lils James, Sophie Kubitzek and President Jo Woodward
On that first day, Suffolk’s 14-year-old Sophie Kubitzek certainly enjoyed a stiff baptism. Playing alongside Lils James she acquitted herself excellently well helping to earn a point. Alice Barlow played a winning champion’s role in all five matches, calmly leaving her opponents in her wake. Abbie Symonds was in her usual state of determination but it is almost a shame to single out anyone because the whole team was full of hope and five of the individual matches were lost by just one hole and several more finished on seventeen. If just a few of those were turned over, the Suffolk tally would have been much more comfortable and we might not have ended propping up the score sheet. Still, somebody has to do it and we have had a really good run in recent years.
The list read Herts, Essex, Norfolk, Cambs & Hunts, Beds and Suffolk. Hurrah for Suffolk and thanks to our Captain, Amanda Norman, a cheerful and dignified leader. She sends everyone this message:
“I was really pleased with the team. They were a great bunch to captain and there were lots of good things to take from the whole experience.
Abbie Symonds with Vice Captain Belinda Rowe
I would like to say a big thank you to Belinda Rowe, our vice captain, I couldn’t have done it without her – she took on the captain’s role while I played.
I couldn’t have asked more of the team. Having to play 45 holes on the Saturday so we could finish on time on Sunday was a fantastic effort and one I really appreciated.
There is a lot to learn re the new format and we will go again next year at Harpenden Golf Club 19th – 22nd June 2022. “
Julie Latimer-Jones
County Match Week – the final day
From left to right A Barlow, L James, A Norman, B Rowe, J Woodward, A Symonds, G Parker, S Kubitzek, V Bell and S Luckman
Due to sterling efforts on the part of organisers and players the outstanding games were all completed on Saturday although this involved a very late finish and a number of players playing 48 holes in one day – no mean feat!
So now to the final day, play resumed at 8.30am on yet another grey day. Thankfully the rain held off until proceedings were concluded with Suffolk’s game against Norfolk the first match underway. Sadly, victory was not to be, and Norfolk won 3.5 to 1.5.
However, numbers don’t necessarily convey the real story so some more detail follows ….
Leading the challenge was the partnership of Vanessa Bell and Sophie Kubitzek. Despite heroic efforts they were to lose 5 and 4 to Tiffany Mills and Imogen Leader. Similarly, Amanda Norman and Sharon Luckman lost to Eve and Hope Neild 5 and 4 and Georgia Parker lost the first singles match against Amelia Williamson 6 and 4.
All was not lost! Abbie Symonds played superbly, coming back from 3 down to pull back and with a nail-biting finish the match on the 18th the match finished in a draw. What a determined young lady she is! Alice Barlow’s game against Jo Herd was the last game out and was full of promise from the outset. With consummate skill she found the fairway consistently, more often than not leaving an easy second shot to the green which was then finished in style. Alice won 5 and 3.
Whilst the overall result for Suffolk was disappointing it is hard to ignore the effect that the weather may have had and the team are to be congratulated for their performance under such dreadful conditions, particularly with the forced extended play on Saturday. Amanda Norman provided great leadership to the team and should be congratulated for her skill and determination.. Well done everyone!
Carol Deslandes
Detailed results for all Suffolk matches:
Suffolk v Bedfordshire
Vanessa Bell and Sharon Luckman lost to Caitlin Thomas and Luca Thompson 2/1; Lils James and Georgia Parker lost to Lora Collin and Sue Caley 1 dn; Alice Barlow bt Annabel Pitts 6/5; Abbie Symonds bt Georgia Staroscik 2/1; Amanda Norman lost to Chanell Fontaine Geary 5/3.
Final result: Suffolk 2; Beds 3
Suffolk v Cambs and Hunts
Lils James and Amanda Norman were all square with Jackie Ewing and Marcella Tuttle; Vanessa Bell and Sharon Luckman bt Tabatha Brain and Laura Todd 3/2; Abbie Symonds lost to Miranda Brain 1 dn; Alice Barlow bt Ella Mason 2/1; Georgia Parker lost to Jade Guest 6/4
Final result:Suffolk 2.5; Cambs and Hunts 2.5
Suffolk v Essex
Vanessa Bell and Sophie Kubitzek lost to Sophie Caldon and Megan Henry 3/2; Amanda Norman and Joanne Woodward lost to Clara Rushmer and Alex Sparrow 2 dn; Georgia Parker lost to Harriet Lynch 1 dn; Abbie Symonds lost to Katy Yates 1 dn; Alice Barlow bt Georgia Gilling 3/2
Final result: Suffolk 1; Essex 4
Suffolk v Hertfordshire:
Vanessa Bell & Sharon Luckman lost to Zainab Jeppe & Ellie Farwell 1dn; Lils James & Sophie Kubitzek bt Millie Pratten & Emanuelle Hewon 2 up; Alice Barlow bt Mawgan Vater 6/4; Abbie Symonds bt Honor Keilty 2 up; Amanda Norman lost to Rebecca Earl 2/1.
Final Result: Suffolk 3, Hertfordshire 2.
Suffolk v Norfolk
Vaness Bell and Sophie Kubitzek lost to Tiffany Mills and Imogen Leader 5/4; Amanda Norman and Sharon Luckman lost to Hope and Eve Nield 5/4; Georgia Parker lost to Amelia Williamsoon 6/4; Abbie Symons and Gemma Batty were all square; Alice Barlow bt Jo Herd 5/3
Final Result: Suffolk1.5, Norfolk 3.5.
History is made at County Match Week
After yesterday’s halt in proceedings play resumed this morning. Thankfully, although the skies were grey and the temperature noticeably cooler the delayed matches were completed with the intention to continue play until 7pm to not only catch up but play today’s scheduled matches – a very big ask indeed for all of the players involved!
However, on a more positive and uplifting note – history was made this morning as the President of Suffolk LGA (Joanne Woodward) and the County Team Captain (Amanda Norman) were teamed up to play together to represent the county, playing against Essex in the foursomes. They are an established pairing and know each other’s game so well. Their opponents were Ciara Rushmer and Alex Sparrow.
Thankfully, the greens had dried out but water was still in evidence in a number of the bunkers. The match started at the tenth tee with the Essex pairing quickly taking a 2 hole lead. However, Jo and Amanda dug deep and the lead was whittled away with the match being all square after nine holes. Neither side were willing to give way and by the penultimate hole Essex had a one hole lead and a draw was looking possible in this very tightly contested match. However, it was not to be and and Essex ended the match with a 2 hole lead.
At the time of publication not all results from the match against Bedfordshire are available so rather than provide information piecemeal detailed results will follow.
Similarly, the full results for the afternoon match against Essex were not available so detailed results will follow.
Tomorrow play will resume at 8.30am and assuming there are no matches to be carried over from today Suffolk’s opponents will be Norfolk.
Carol Deslandes
Final Result: Suffolk v Bedfordshire: As I understand it, Bedfordshire beat Suffolk 3 – 2.
Final Result: Suffolk v Essex: Again, as I understand it, Essex beat Suffolk 4 -1
Full details to follow.