2nd Team Stovold Match vs Sussex 4th July 2024

Our first Stovold Trophy match for the season was held at Liphook GC on 4th July (Election Day) against Sussex.  The Hampshire team comprised Tracey Willmont-Coles (Blackmoor GC), Lily Walker (North Hants GC), Aileen Simpson (Brokenhurst Manor GC), Georgina Carter (North Hants GC), Lucy Burke (Shanklin & Sandown GC) and Sammi Keen (Freshwater Bay GC).  The players were all excited to be playing their first match at Liphook GC; not just a wonderful course but also the venue of our County Championships just 6 weeks ago so all the players had played the course recently.

The foursomes matches got underway in bright and sunny conditions and Hampshire established early leads with both the North Hants pairing of Georgina & Lily and the IOW pairing of Sammi & Lucy.  Both pairs dominated from the outset and won their matches comfortably by 6&4 and 6&5 respectively.  Our first pair (Tracey and Aileen) had a much tougher game which seemed more evenly matched but a few unlucky putts and a few missed greens saw Sussex go 2 up.  Despite some excellent golf, our pair were unable to close the deficit and they eventually lost 3&1.  So, the lunchtime score was 2-1 to Hampshire and all to play for in the 6 singles matches. 

Lily led the afternoon charge and maintained her excellent, solid golf winning comfortably 6&5.  This was followed by equally strong performances from Georgina, Aileen & Lucy who all won by similar margins.  Tracey had a tougher battle on her hands but sealed a good win on the 17th by 2&1 and then all eyes were diverted to the Freshwater Bay champion, Sammi, in the last match.  Sammi fought back from 2 down through 13 to all square after 15 holes (having driven the 15th green!), halved the 16th and won the 17th to lead by 1, going up the 18th. Her opponent made a good up and down to win the final hole and halving the match - a fair result after a tight but exciting match.  The final result was 7.5 - 1.5 to Hampshire - an excellent start for the light blues.

A final big shout-out to Liphook GC - the perfect host in all respects.  The course was in superb condition and both teams were warmly welcomed and admirably looked after.  Thank you.

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