Golf: Heartache for Huddersfield Ladies with final defeat

HUDDERSFIELD Golf Club’s Ladies suffered heartache in the final of the Yorkshire Scratch Team Championship, when they lost out 4-3 to Ganton’s ‘big guns’ at the Hallamshire course.

The Fixby girls began in upbeat fashion with a 5-2 victory over Oakdale in the semi-finals when there were victories for Amelia Covell, Pat Wrightson, Sandra Paul, Megan Lockett and Melody Ludi, while Joan Webb was two-up when the match result was officially confirmed, so was asked to concede.

Unfortunately for Huddersfield, Imogen Covell fell ill during the round, and took no further part in the competition, which meant everyone moving up a place in the order for the final against Ganton, with first reserve Linda Whitwam coming it at No7.

Covell’s absence in the final wouldn’t have helped Huddersfield’s cause, but it may not have made too much difference, as the North Yorkshire club brought in their international and county players for the final clash.

Huddersfield still produced a tremendous performance to push their vaunted rivals all the way, with Wrighton defeating Sara Garbutt 1 up, and further excellent wins for Paul and Lockett, while Amelia Covell put in a great scrap before going down to England’s Naomi Edwards 2&1.

But Ganton’s strength-in-depth told down the order (even their No6 lady had a handicap of 5).

Fixby lady captain and scratch team captain Joyce Ironside congratulated Ganton on their victory, before praising her own side’s achievement.

Semi-final: Huddersfield 5 Oakdale 2: (Huddersfield ladies first): Imogen Covell lost to Olivia Jackson 1 down; Amelia Covell bt Karen Leake 1 up; Pat Wrightson bt Joyce Slater 5&4; Sandra Paul bt Penny Baxter 4&3; Megan Lockett bt Cath Valey 1 up; Melody Ludi bt Olivia Lambert 3&2; Joan Webb conceded when 2 up to Patsy Rochester.

Final: Huddersfield 3 Ganton 4: Amelia Covell lost to Naomi Edwards 2&1; Pat Wrightston bt Sara Garbutt 1 up; Sandra Paul bt Sue Blaeford 1 up; Megal Lockett bt Julie Brown 3&1; Melody Ludi lost to Carolyn Kirk 3&2; Joan Webb lost to Jo Davy 5&4; Linda Whitwam lost to Anne Briggs 5&3.