Your Captain has never felt under so much pressure in having to write up anything. In fact, that is a lie, she can remember her O-Level English Literature exam and having to write an essay on Macbeth. In fact she can remember having to write all her English essay throughout her whole school life – every single one a nightmare! This is no different!
Anyway, today saw the County return to Prestonfield Golf Club for the semi-finals and finals of the main and “B”-section Championships. The day started OK, everyone turned up on time and we headed to the first tee but within seconds the sun glasses were on, not because of the sunny morning, but thanks to Kirsten Blackwood, caddying for Linda Caine. As threatened earlier on in the week, she donned a dark but bright pink outfit – complete right down to the shoe laces! As ever the tranquility of the morning was soon shattered and the chat deteriorated. I have been threatened to within an inch of my life if I publish the topic of conversation which then ensued but, I can say that the result of it is that Midlothian now has a Commanding President!
The second semi-final between Linda Caine (Dunbar) and Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe) followed on behind. I was going to add without incident but there was a wee bit of dispute over the score as our on course reporter kept us up to date with one set of figures while the caddies begged to differ with it! Eventually, it was all sorted! Linda was 4 up after the first 5 holes but Louise was not about to throw in the towel, fought back and finally reached the 18th hole 1 up. With a putt to win the tie, she lipped out, forcing extra holes and sending the Captain running down the first fairway to ask the members if they would mind standing to one side to let them play through. The 19th was halved and a great putt on the 20th gave Linda her 3 and the match.
The “B”-section Championship semi-finals were very boring in comparison with only good golf being played and no added extras to keep the organisers on their toes! Denise Mitchell (Murrayfield) played very solidly against Jaci Moriarty (Lochend) finally taking the tie on the 17th. Isobel Halliday (Merchants), on the other hand, had taken note of Friday’s report and was determined not to be the reason we were kept out of the bar today! She notched up a 6&4 victory against Ann Brown (Deer Park).
Midlothian would like to thank Prestonfield Golf Club for hosting the Championships and Captain, Neil McNaughton, for turning out to spectate today. The course was in very nice condition and our every need tended to within the clubhouse. Thank you to the referees, Anne and Mary, to Commanding President, Margaret, for announcing each match on the first tee, and to everyone who came along to watch and support the matches.
A 19 year wait and……