County Match Week 2024

County Match Week Report - Sunday 7th to Wednesday 10th July 2024

North Hants Golf Club was looking in pristine condition as teams from the South Region gathered to contest County Match Week 2024. So much hard work and anticipation had led up to this event, including President Jane Scott and her clever daughter in law decorating the North Hants dining room beautifully. After lunch and photographs everyone was keen to get underway.

A shotgun start saw the teams begin their practice rounds under blue skies with just a gentle breeze. Perfect. However, storm clouds gathered and after 12 holes the rain and thunder started. A quick exit from the course was made and we very much hoped that the weather would behave for us over the next three days.

Hampshire had two stern tests on Monday playing both Kent and Surrey. A good night’s sleep was needed. This was not to be with a 2am fire alarm disturbing the whole hotel and half an hour was spent in the car park waiting for the fire engine to arrive and the all-clear given.

However, undeterred, teams arrived eager to play on the first tee. President Jane started proceedings and CMW was really here.

Hampshire fought hard and a perfect shot by Gemma Burgess to the 18th green in the last match secured the halved result with Kent. Well played, girls.

In the afternoon, the matches were very close against Surrey. Such is golf that despite two matches finishing on the 18th and two on the 17th, we eventually lost by a margin of 5/0. This definitely didn’t represent the terrific golf played by Hampshire against a very strong Surrey squad.

A better night’s sleep was had on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon meant Hampshire taking on Sussex in the persistent drizzle. When this turned to heavy rain and the greens started to flood, great teamwork saw the green staff plus our CMW organisers squeegying the greens to keep them playable. Another fighting performance but more heartbreak as Hampshire were pipped by Sussex 3/2.

Spirits remained high and a BBQ at Vice-Captain Eilean’s home was enjoyed by Hampshire players, organisers and officials. The sun came out for this evening and celebrated fittingly the teamwork that has gone on all through the past year to make this event happen, and the hard work put in by the squad.

The final morning had Hampshire facing Middlesex, pairings were adjusted and this was really a celebration of Amelia playing her last match for her County before starting PGA training. Paired with rookie Anabelle Lucas-Villar, their play sparkled and a win on the14th green was perfect. A result of 3/2 left Hampshire finishing on a high. Especially as newcomer Jenny Myers had also won her point, aided by top Hampshire point-scorer Aimee Paterson.

Thank you to all the Hampshire squad, a very talented group who played their hearts out and hold so much promise for the future. Thank you to Gemma Burgess, Stevie Crozier-Hunt, Raffi Dyer, Emma Higgins, Anabelle Lucas-Villar, Jenny Myers, Aimee Paterson and Amelia Williams. A huge well done to Amelia for achieving her County Colours (tears all round).

They were helped by a dedicated band of caddies, notably Lily Walker who was non-travelling reserve and supported the team throughout. Thank you Lily.

Huge appreciation to supporters, referees, scorers, ball spotters, Lady Captain Frances & North Hants Golf Club and all the other counties for making these four days ones to remember. Many thanks also to Jill England and Hannah Holloway - our dream team in the CMW Office.

A very impressive Surrey won all their matches and we wish the Surrey team and their County Captain, Jane Bathurst, good luck as they represent South Region from 20th to 22nd September at Stover Golf Club when they play County Finals. They will stand a very good chance and we will be rooting for them.

Next year CMW travels to Mill Hill in Middlesex when Eilean Cunningham will be Captaining the Hampshire First Team. I know that this young squad will go onto represent their county brilliantly, once again, under her leadership.

Sarah Deacon, Hampshire County Captain

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