Match Report: First Team v Oxfordshire 9 March 2025

The County 1st Team got off to a sizzling start to the season with a convincing 5-0 win over Oxfordshire in their annual friendly match at Frilford Heath GC last Sunday.  Despite the 6:30am hiccup with a very poorly Raffi Dyer (Hayling GC), Georgina Carter (North Hants GC), stepped in at short notice and still made it in time for the pre-match bacon rolls at 10am! What a super substitute she proved to be too.

The format was 3 singles matches and 2 foursomes matches, replicating the County Match Week format, and the teams played the Green Course off the Yellow tees.  A deceptively tricky shorter course, lined by gorse and birch trees, but with tantalizing birdie opportunities, and glorious sunshine on a warm Spring day, we were in for a golfing treat and the players did not disappoint!

Gemma Burgess (North Hants GC), our County Champion, led the team in the first singles match. Just back from her superb first BUCS win at Trevose GC (by 17 shots!), Gemma confessed that she didn't have quite the same golfing form as she displayed at Trevose but she still produced a solid win (2Up) and our first point.  The 2nd match starred our Senior International, Kerry Smith (Waterlooville GC) who played Oxfordshire's youngest team player, Lara Murray.  With nothing to lose, Lara played some great golf but Kerry's trademark consistency, accuracy and her blinding short game came through with a comfortable 4&2 win. Aimee Paterson (North Hants GC) relished the opportunity to play singles and her experienced, coupled with a very solid performance in all areas of her game, produced a wonderful 7&5 win.

There were no nerves on display for our two rookies in the first foursomes pairing of Tracey Willmont-Coles (Blackmoor GC) and our talented junior, Rosie Rooney (Alresford GC).  They enjoyed a really close match against experienced opposition but they managed to nudge ahead with a couple of great birdies and clinched a 3&2 victory.  They were deservedly both delighted! Our final pairing of Georgina Carter and Jenny Myers (Alresford GC) did not disappoint either.  They edged into an early lead with some solid, consistent play but their opponents clawed their way back into the game and the last 6 holes were very tight. The Hampshire pairing held their nerve and delivered a 2&1 win in a very exciting match.  Congratulations to all the team - they relished the opportunity to play competitive course against great opposition on a superb course, and the sun shone!   

Many thanks to Captain Tracy Roberts and her Oxfordshire team for hosting us so well and to Frilford Heath GC for the warm hospitality, great course and good food.

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