Midlothian v Borders

On a lovely day, the Midlothian County Team's practice matches started on a high. Meeting the Borders at Newbattle Golf Club today, the main team came away with a 4-o win while the juniors recorded a 1-1 draw. Despite the snow, Newbattle Golf Course was in great order and it was a pleasure to be given courtesy to play our match. Both the main and Junior Squads played greensomes, with the juniors playing off handicaps and Midlothian giving 9 shots in each match.

Louise Fraser & Claire MacDonald beat Liz Campbell & Isla Craigie 5&4
Wendy Nicholson & Gabrielle Macdonald beat Judith Anderson & Tara Mactaggart 5&3
Karen Marshall & Gillian Simpson beat Sheila Cuthbertson & Wendy Wells 4&3
Kate McIntosh & Noreen Fenton beat Lynne Douglas & Denise Richards 5&3

Hannah Scott & Heather Laing beat Laura Mathewson & Katherine Fisher 1 hole
Kirsty Simpson & Heather Tumblety lost to Danielle Ker & Leanne Wilson 4&3

Well done to all the girls and thank you all for playing and to Katherine Fisher for standing in and playing for the Borders.

Cuthbertson Cup and Inter-County Draws

The draw for the Junior Inter-County Matches, the Cuthbertson Cup, was made at the recent East of Scotland Captains' Meeting. To be held on Sunday 18th April at Ratho Park Golf Club, the morning singles sees Midlothian take on Stirling & Clackmannan in one tie and East Lothian play Fife in the other. The first match tees off at 9.30 am, with the winners playing each other in the afternoon, with a tee-off time of 2 pm. The losing teams in the morning will follow this match and play foursomes to determine the third and fourth places.

Also at the meeting, the draw for the Inter-Counties Matches to be held from Monday 28th - Wednesday 30th June at Royal Musselburgh Golf Club was made and is as follows:

Day 1: East Lothian v Stirling & Clackmannan; Midlothian v Fife
Day 2: Midlothian v Stirling & Clackmannan; East Lothian v Fife
Day 3: Stirling & Clackmannan v Fife; East Lothian v Midlothian

Please put these dates in your diaries and come along to support your teams. The girls will be defending the Cuthbertson Cup for the 5th year in a row and the main team will be out to make it to the finals for the second year in a row.

Squad news

After 2 great days on which the sun shone and the squad played warm up games amongst themselves at Gullane Golf Club, the focus moves to short game coaching next weekend. Jane Connachan will be putting everyone through their paces at Kingsfield Golf Centre in Linlithgow, the focus being on short game, bunker play and putting. Fingers crossed for a few more decent weekends!

Meanwhile, the Junior Training Squad were out in force yesterday at their second session at the Braids Driving Range with Mark Berrie. They are all swinging the club and hitting the ball exceptionally well. It is wonderful to see the advances being made and they are all keen for the season to begin.

Squad for 2010

We are delighted to announce that the MCLGA Squad for 2010 is:

Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park), Fiona de Vries (St Rule), Amanda Edwards (Liberton), Noreen Fenton (Dunbar), Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe), Claire Hargan (Mortonhall), Fiona Hunter (Baberton), Lindsey Hunter (Dalmahoy), Hilary Laughland (Mortonhall), Claire MacDonald (Gullane Ladies), Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw), Karen Marshall (Baberton), Arlene McGarty (Harburn), Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe), Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe), Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park), Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield), Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall).

We welcome Lindsey Hunter and Sal Shepherd back into the squad, Kate McIntosh who has moved up from the Junior Training Squad and Arlene McGarty who moves into the main squad after a year away from the Junior Training Squad. As with previous years, we have practice games arranged amongst the squad members themselves as well as against the Borders and Lanarkshire Ladies' Counties, Duddingston Men and SUGS. We have also organised some coaching sessions for the squad members with Jane Connachan at Kingsfield Golf and Driving Range.

We have a great squad of golfers who are all keen to play and do well, and are proud to represent Midlothian. We know it is going to be a hard task to decide on the final 8 for the Team to take part in this year's Inter-County Matches at Royal Musselburgh Golf Club from Monday 28th -Wednesday 30th June. But we relish that situation and know the girls will all be doing their best to win the Divisional Inter-County Matches.

Main and Junior Squads

Great fun was had yesterday when a season ending, main and junior squad get together was held at the Hermitage Golf Club. Luckily, a 1 pm tee-time was set and, as the clouds parted, we took to the course on the best part of the day. The junior squad members drew for partners and to, make things a wee bit more interesting, their senior partners were only allowed 4 clubs and a putter. Some of the scores were better than others but everyone enjoyed their game and there was good mixing and banter. Thanks to Karen Marshall, everyone was a winner and received a selection box - even the President, Selector and Captain spectators!

1st Louise Fraser & Hannah Scott
2nd Claire Hargan & Sally Naysmith
3rd Karen Marshall & Heather Tumblety
4th Kirsten Blackwood & Katherine Fisher
5th Hilary Laughland & Kirsty Simpson
6th Gillian Simpson &, junior of the day, Mary Richardson

County Finals

I am so disappointed, as are the rest of the team, to report that we missed out by the narrowest of margins in the County Finals. Having had a superb win against Galloway by 8.5-0.5 and having beaten Renfrewshire by 5.5-3.5, we went into yesterday's final match knowing that a draw would not be good enough - we had to win. Things were looking rosie at lunchtime when our morning foursomes pairings put up a 2-1 lead, Jane and Rachael recording a magnificent 6&5 victory over Kelsey MacDonald and Hannah McCook, Claire Hargan and Wendy going to the 18th but coming away with a 1 hole win over Cara Gruber and Pam Mackay, and Kirsten and Claire MacD missing out narrowly to Alison Bartlett and Jenny Milne by 1 hole. The team had made the dream start and all that was needed was to build on that.

A lunchtime chat put the records straight - a 6-0 win in the afternoon was needed; no-one was to rely on anyone else to bring home the points; they all needed to go out onto the course and win - and boy, were they up for it! Northern Counties had lost Mary Smith, who had departed for Blairgowrie and the Scottish Veteran Ladies' Championship, and Kelsey MacDonald who had been taken to hospital for an x-ray on a wrist she had damaged in the morning match. Jane did as asked, winning early and sending a message through the team. Next came Claire Hargan winning on the 16th and the message was clear, we only needed another 1 point. That however was to elude us. Karen unfortunately lost to young Julie Vass, but the rest of the matches, although close, looked comfortable. But then the nerves started to kick in, anxiety struck and the situation started to change. Jenny Milne had a great up and down on 17 to square the match against Rachael and with news that Louise was 1 down on 17 and Claire MacD was all square on 16, a half at the 18th gave Midlothian another half point but the outcome looked very very tight. Louise remained 1 down at the 18th, a great match play finishing hole. Her second to the green unfortunately just ran off the left hand side of the green but a superb up and down gave her a par finish. Her opponent, Hannah McCook hit the green in two but was left with a testing putt to half the hole and win the match. To the Midlothian opposition, it looked as if the ball just caught the right hand edge of the hole but it still dropped in. So it was down to back marker Claire MacD to bring home the needed half point. The pressure on MacD was immense as the entire gallery surrounded the 18th green - Midlothian team and spectators waiting for half a point and Northern Counties wanting a win. Having lost 16, MacD and Cara Gruber halved the 17th with birdie 2s and headed to the 18th with Midlothian 1 down. Great drives by both girls were followed by Cara running through and over the back of the green and MacD hitting a superb shot onto the left hand edge of the green. Cara had a magnificent chip which stopped short of the hole but MacD, by this time, knew she needed to sink her putt. It was a sweetly struck putt and looked fantastic on the way to the hole but sadly shaved the hole and stayed out, much to everyone's disappointed and especially MacD's. Cara then added the final nail to the coffin and sank her putt to square the match.

I would like to say that the team were absolutely superb. Each and every one of them played their hearts out and gave as much as they could. Their golf over all three days could not be faulted and the support they showed to one another was, yet again, totally and utterly amazing, as was the support they showed to myself and the backroom team. Not a cross word or a moan was heard the whole time and the atmosphere both on and off the course, both at the golf course and back at the hotel was wonderful. They were all keen and eager to play and certainly stepped forward when asked. They were disappointed when rested but took that in their stride. I could not have asked for anything more.

My backroom team were magnificent and held me together each and every day when things were tough. It is hard watching and keeping track of all 6 matches but thanks to the support from President Margaret, Vice-Captain Mary and Selector Linda and the use of modern technology, the airways were busy as messages were being texted back and forth with the individual game situations.

The caddies, as ever, were a treat and got as involved in the matches as the players - egging the players on, giving them lines, helping them to read putts and keeping their concentration going. It was superb to see and such an important aspect of the whole weekend. I never once felt alone while watching as the support from the spectators was fantastic. Thank you to all of you who came along to watch. I sincerely hope you enjoyed the spectacle that was put on. My thanks also go to Gillian Kirkwood who very kindly took on the task of MCLGA website reporter so that all of the readers could be kept up to date with the results.

There is absolutely nothing I would change from the three days but to lose out by half a game point is exceedingly hard to bear. It could not have been closer. We are all devastated but will bounce back with renewed vigour next year - so all counties beware the injured golfers!

Midlothian just pipped on countback

 

Midlothian Captain Tracy Laughland accepts the runner-up trophy

from Baberton Captain, Harry Waugh

Title Decider 4 ½- 4 ½, Northern Counties win with higher "games won" total

Midlothian's hopes to become Scottish County Champions in our centenary year were cruelly dashed today at Baberton on the last day of the 2009 championship.
After leading the foursomes 2-1,  we went into the singles needing only three points to clinch victory.  Were we expecting too much?  Sometimes it seems you can wish for something too much...  it's as if the more you want something the more unobtainable it becomes.
Early on the signs were good...four of the team were up,  and wins from Jane Turner (4/3 against Pam Mackay) and Claire Hargan (3/2 against Alison Bartlett) put another two points on the board.  Karen Marshall lost to youngster Julie Vass,  but we still had Rachael Watton, Louise Fraser and Claire Macdonald with chances to win, and we only needed one more point.
Alas it was not to be... Rachael got a half in her match against Jenny Milne, but Louise and Claire both lost on the 18th to Hannah McCook and Cara Gruber respectively.
At any other time a halved match would be considered respectable in the circumstances,  but in the countback our 8½ points from the Galloway game,  plus 5½ points from Renfrewshire game gave us only 14 points.  Northern Counties had beaten Renfrewshire by 7½ points and beaten Galloway by 7 points... a total of 14½.
Getting to the County Finals is a feat in itself given the competition in the East Division,  and our girls should be proud that they got so close to a winning position.  They all worked extremely hard over the gruelling three days, and this experience can only strengthen their resolve to come back next year stronger and more determined.

NORTHERN COUNTIES 4 ½, MIDLOTHIAN 4 ½

Foursomes: Kelsey MacDonald and Hannah McCook lost to Jane Turner and Rachael Watton 6 and 5; Cara Gruber and Pam Mackay lost to Claire Hargan and Wendy Nicholson 1 hole; Alison Bartlett and Jenny Milne bt Kirsten Blackwood and Claire MacDonald 1 hole (1-2).

Singles: Mackay lost to Turner 4 and 3, Bartlett lost to Hargan 3 and 2, Milne halved with Watton, Julie Vass bt Karen Marshall 5 and 4, McCook bt Louise Fraser 1 hole, Gruber bt Claire MacDonald 2 holes (3 ½-2 ½).

Midlothian Team at Baberton this morning

L to R: Margaret Rodgers (President), Louise Fraser, Rachel Watton, Jane Turner, 

Linda Caine (Selector), Karen Marshall, Tracy Laughland (Captain), Claire Hargan, 

Mary Richardson (Vice-Captain), Wendy Nicholson, Kirsten Blackwood, Claire Macdonald.

Click on the image to see it larger in a new window.

[Image courtesy SLGA]

Midlothian through to Title Decider

Midlothian gave the local spectators a hard time this afternoon before coming up trumps at the end.

Our Midlothian team were 2-1 up after the morning foursomes, and needed three wins in the afternoon to win the match. 
Jane Turner had a fantastic run of single putts in her game against Scottish Champion, Megan Briggs, and came through the winner by 2&1.  Wendy Nicholson lost by 3&2 to Claire Marie Carlton  and Karen Marshall lost by 7&6 to an in-form Eilidh Briggs.  That made  3 wins apiece.
County Champion Claire Hargan won her match at the 16th against Scottish Girls cap Alison McKechin.  That gave us the fourth point.
It was all up to Louise Fraser who was all square playing 16 against Carol Whyte and Claire MacDonald, all square playing 15 against Donna Jackson. 
Louise managed to hold it together and halved her match, and Claire won the 16th, halved 17 and won the 18th for a 2 hole victory. (Final result 5½ - 3½)
Meanwhile the spectators felt as though they had been put through a wringer.

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT TOMORROW IN THE SHOWDOWN AGAINST NORTHERN COUNTIES (who beat Galloway 7-2 today)

MIDLOTHIAN 5 ½, RENFREWSHIRE 3 ½

Foursomes: Jane Turner, Rachael Watton lost to Megan Briggs, Eilidh Briggs 2 and 1; Claire Hargan, Wendy Nicholson bt Alyson McKechin, Lix Stewart 5 and 4; Kirsten Blackwood, Claire MacDonald bt Claire-Marie Carlton, Donna Jackson 2 and 1 (2-1).

Singles: Turner bt Megan Briggs 2 and 1, Nicholson lost to Carlton 3 and 2, Hargan bt McKechin 3 and 2, Louise Fraser halved with Carol Whyte; Karen Marshall lost to Eilidh Briggs 7 and 6, MacDonald bt Jackson 2 holes (3 ½-2 ½).

Midlothian on course in the County finals

The Midlothian team did us proud yesterday with an 8 ½ to ½ victory over South champions, Galloway, in the Scottish County Finals at Baberton.

Captain Tracy apologises for the lack of coverage on this website.... check Kirkwoodgolf for results each day.

This morning the girls play Renfrewshire... if you have a navy sweater anywhere in your wardrobe put it on and come and support! 

They've brought the foursomes forward to a  9:00 am start  and the singles start at 1:30pm.
Tomorrow the girls play Northern Counties and are second off starting at  9:22 with singles starting at 2:15.

GALLOWAY ½, MIDLOTHIAN 8 ½
Foursomes: Gillian Monteith & Tracy Milligan lost to Jane Turner & Rachael Watton 4 and 3; Christina Meldrum & Sheila McMurtrie halved with Louise Fraser & Karen Marshall; Addi Shamash & Gwen Robson lost to Claire MacDonald & Kirsten Blackwood 7 and 5 (1/2-2 ½).
Singles: Monteith lost to Turner 4 and 3, Milligan lost to Claire Hargan 4 and 3, Meldrum lost to Wendy Nicholson 6 and 4, McMurtrie lost to Fraser 1 hole, Shamash lost to Kirsten Blackwood 3 and 2, Robson lost to Watton 3 and 2 (0-6).

MCLGA v Baberton Men

In preparation for the County Finals in a few weeks, tonight saw the County Team take on Baberton Men in a friendly greensomes match. Five of the team and the reserve were amongst those available to play and the evening gave the girls a valuable chance to not only play the course from different tees but also to get some top tips from the men. A big thank you to everyone who played and to all of the guidance on offer. Thank you also to the Baberton Board for agreeing to the match, to Norrie Robertson for organising the men's team and to Maggie MacPherson for being there to set everyone off.

It was a very windy night with the end of Hurricane Bill swirling around and it became bitterly cold by the end - even although the men insisted on playing round in shirt sleeves! In a very tight match, 2 games were decided on the 17th, while the other 2 went to the 18th. Unfortuantely the girls lost out by 2.5-1.5.

Kirsten Blackwood & Claire Hargan lost to Stephen Marshall & Andy Munro - 1 down
Gabrielle Macdonald & Kate McIntosh halved with Ron Bradly & Sandy McComish
Wendy Nicholson & Karen Marshall beat Colin Turner (who was partnerless) 2&1
Claire MacDonald & Sal Shepherd lost to Dougie Waugh & Ian Hunter 2&1

It should also be announced that the team for the County Finals will remain the same as that which played in the Inter-County Matches i.e.

Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park)
Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe)
Claire Hargan (Mortonhall)
Claire MacDonald (Gullane Ladies)
Karen Marshall (Baberton)
Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)

Reserve: Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw)

The matches, which are being held at Baberton Golf Club from the 18th-20th September, will see:

Galloway v Midlothian, and Renfrewshire v Northern Counties on the Friday
Midlothian v Renfrewshire, and Galloway v Northern Counties on the Saturday
Renfrewshire v Galloway, and Northern Counties v Midlothian on the Sunday

PLEASE come along to support your team. The morning foursomes tee off at 9.30 am each day with the afternoon singles beginning at 1.30 pm. It promises to be a great 3 days of competition and Midlothian has a great chance of retaining the trophy for another year within the East Division.

From the Captain's Keyboard....

Mikhaila finds Mick to share in her celebrations!

What a fabulous week it has been with Midlothian winning the East Division Inter-County Matches in such style in our Centenary year. The team played superbly well in all of their matches and the support they offered to each other was absolutely fantastic. It was great to see and be part of and we could have asked for nothing more from the girls. Their commitment was no less than 110% and they stepped up to the mark when asked. The atmosphere on the course, in the clubhouse and back at the hotel was relaxed, happy and electric.

Having returned from Falkirk ecstatic but exhausted, I have now regained a little bit of energy and have started turning my thoughts towards the County Finals in September. But before I get on to them, I would like to say a few thank yous.

First of all to the Ladies' Golf Shop for the T-shirts you very kindly sponsored. The girls were all delighted to have some "new kit" and looked fabulous. They looked smart and ready to take on whatever was going to be thrown at them - how could they fail? Secondly, to all of the members who made the trip over to Falkirk to support the girls and/or offer their caddying services and to all those who weren't able to be there but kept in touch through text messages. Your continued commitment to the County team is very much appreciated by all concerned. Thirdly to all the back room team - even spotty Linda who was unable to travel over due to an outbreak of chicken pox on the Thursday night. It is great to have such spirit behind the scenes and Linda on the other end of text messages! Your help and calming abilities were fantastic. The number of times I turned to do something to find that one of you had just beaten me to it was unbelievable. Finally, to the actual Team, what can I say? You all played your hearts out from beginning to end. There was absolutely no let up and you battled away to come up with the goods. Let's do it again in September!!!

Now to the County Finals! As you may be aware they are being held at Baberton Golf Club from Friday 18th - Sunday 20th September. Midlothian is joined by Galloway from the south, Renfrewshire from the west and Northern Counties from, believe it or not, the north. Why not put the dates in your diaries now and come along to support your team? It is absolutely wonderful golf to watch and a great atmosphere to get caught up in. It would be great to see you and I know the team would really appreciate the support. The draw for the finals is:

Day 1: Galloway v Midlothian; Renfrewshire v Northern Counties
Day 2: Midlothian v Renfrewshire; Galloway v Northern Counties
Day 3: Renfrewshire v Galloway; Northern Counties v Midlothian

East Division Inter County Matches Day 3

Euphoria reigned for Midlothian on day 3 at Falkirk. Having been brought back down to earth on Tuesday night the team arrived at Carmuirs Golf Club ready and willing to give their all in their final match. Their opponents, Stirling & Clackmannan, had let it be known that they were out to get us and to spoil our intended celebrations. What they hadn't realised was that Midlothian was not letting the situtation get ahead of them and were taking things one step at a time. And so, with each member of the team having been told to bring home a point from their own game and not to worry about anyone else or leave the "point-getting" to anyone else, they took to the course.

Leading the way, yet again, were Jane Turner and Rachael Watton, followed by Karen Marshall and Louise Fraser and, bringing up the rear, Kirsten Blackwood and Claire MacDonald. Having given the supporters' and officials' nerves a rest on Tuesday, they very kindly decided, in the muggy heat of the morning, to bring the worry lines back to the fore before winning at the 17th, 18th and 18th holes respectively.

Thankful of our 3-0 lunchtime lead, the order for the afternoon play was set and, once again, the players were told not to rely on any of their fellow team members to bring in the points. Whether they were, by this time, fed up with the first tee motivational chat or whether it just takes a while to sink in we are not sure, but for once in the week they listened and took off all guns blazing. A great afternoon was had by all on the navy side as scores resounded around the course of Midlothian being 2 up after 7, 4 up after 11, Murray having won in 3 straight sets, dormie 3 up etc etc. Jane brought home the first of the 2 points we needed, closely followed by Claire Hargan and then the rest followed with Wendy getting a half (because her opponent inconsiderately holed her third shot to the par 5 18th), and Karen, Rachael (who in her first Inter-County matches recorded an amazing 6 out of 6 points over the 3 days) and Claire MacD all winning. Victory cheers were heard all around and, thanks to Margaret Rodgers, the celebrations began!

The final day results were:

Morning Foursomes:

Jane Turner & Rachael Watton beat Vicki Stevenson & Lesley Gibb 2&1

Karen Marshall & Louise Fraser beat Louise MacGregor & Elaine Allison 2 up

Kirsten Blackwood & Claire MacDonald beat Linda Allan & Jill Harrison 2 up

Afternoon Singles:

Jane Turner beat Elaine Allison 3&2

Claire Hargan beat Louise MacGregor 2&1

Wendy Nicholson halved with Vicki Stevenson

Karen Marshall beat Claire Capocci 3&2

Rachael Watton beat Mhairi Hall 3&2

Claire MacDonald beat Linda Allan 1 up

Final Standings:

1st Midlothian

2nd Fife

3rd East Lothian

4th Stirling and Clackmannan

Remember to put the 18th-20th September in your diaries and keep it free so that you too can come to support the Midlothian girls as they aim to wind up the officials in the County Finals at Baberton! They are joined in this by Renfrewshire and Galloway and Northern Counties.

East Division Inter County Matches Day 2

Day two is generally movement day and what a move Midlothian made! On the first tee bright and early stood Jane Turner and Rachael Watton, leading the team into battle against defending East Division and Scottish Champions, Fife. The girls led by example winning by a great 5&4 margin. Next up Karen Marshall and Louise Fraser joined their team mates with a 2&1 victory. Finally in a hard fought battle, Claire Hargan and Wendy Nicholson succombed by 2&1. However a joyful team found themselves 2 - 1 up at lunchtime and after throwing down a sandwich, their attention turned to the afternoon singles as Michaela (below) waited patiently for the action to begin.

The weather and the golf got hotter and hotter as the afternoon went on. Jane lost to level the scores at 2 all, but not for long. Rachael recorded a great victory to put the team ahead just before Louise Fraser lost a gallant fight on the 18th. But before long Midlothian flags were flying as news resounded around the course of a victory by Claire MacDonald, followed swiftly by Claire H. Riding on a cloud up the 18th, Kirsten brought home another half point and another day's celebrations began.

We would like to add that the team have now been brought back down to earth as preparations for tomorrow's vital match against Stirling and Clackmannan begin.

Morning Foursomes:

Jane Turner & Rachael Watton beat Louise Kenney & Linda Dyball 5&4

Karen Marshall & Louise Fraser beat Susan Jackson & Karin Sharp 2&1

Claire Hargan & Wendy Nicholson lost to Fiona Hastie & Elaine Moffat 2&1

Afternoon Singles:

Jane Turner lost to Louise Kenney 6&4

Rachael Watton beat Fiona Hastie 2&1

Louise Fraser lost to Susan Jackson 1 down

Kirsten Blackwood halved with Lorna Fury

Claire Hargan beat Karin Sharp 3&1

Claire MacDonald beat Elaine Moffat 3&2

East Division Inter County Matches

The Midlothian team made a great start to the Inter County matches on a lovely warm day at Falkirk (Carmuirs) today. The team beat East Lothian by 7 points to 2. Having been 2.5-0.5 up at lunch time they thought it would be rather funny to make the officials and supporters sweat with a slow start. After 5 holes two of the team were all square with the rest all struggling somewhat. No amount of threats from the Captain seemed to ease the situation. Luckily by the back nine they seemd to see the error of their ways and realised they were there to win - and guess what? ........... much to everyone's relief they turned it around. Phew! We are all exhasted but happy bunnies. Looking forward to playing Fife tomorrow (7-2 winners over Stirling & Clackmannan today).

FOURSOMES

J Turner & R Watton beat L Nicholson & E Fairnie 5&3

K Marshall & W Nicholson halved with L Mortenson & F Prior

C Hargan & C Macdonald beat ML Renton & R Carroll 4&2

SINGLES

J Turner beat L Mortenson 4&3

C Hargan lost to L Nicholson 1 down

K Blackwood beat E Fairnie 1 up

L Fraser beat F Prior 3&1

R Watton beat R Carroll 3&2

C MacDonald halved with L Grieve

MCLGA v SUGS

Nine golfers and your Vice Captain (our esteemed Captain being poorly) ventured down to Gullane on a lovely evening to play our annual match against SUGS. Following on from our experiences at Duddingston, good negotiations took place, with the men playing off the white tees, which I must admit were on occasions about 2 miles behind the reds. Buy hey - all's fair in golf and war and we managed to win 4 -1 and win the SUGS Centenery Trophy for the first time since it's presentation in 2007. Thanks to the MCLGA team of Jane Turner, Rachel Watton, Noreen Fenton, Linda Caine, Gillian Simpson, Gabrielle Macdonald, Karen Marshall and Claire Hargan, and super-subs Sal Shepherd and yours truly the Vice Captain for a great win. I am sure there will be a bit of re-negotiation on tees from SUGS next year!

After the match we were presented with a beautiful crystal decanter for our centenary. It has been suggested that the Captain fills it up for us when she is feeling better! A big thank you to SUGS Captain, Richard Inglis for presenting us with this lovely gift and to Andrew Thomson (and Tracy) for organising the match.

The results were:

Neil Steven & Jonathan Dargie beat Rachael Watton and Jane Turner 5&3

Andrew Thomson & Kenny McKay lost to Noreen Fenton and Linda Caine by 1 hole

Richard Inglis and John Wood lost to Gillian Simpson and Gabrielle Macdonald 4&3

Tim Edward and Douglas May lost to Mary Richardson & Sal Shepherd 3&2

Jim Barnet and Sandy Kirkwood lost to Karen Marshall and Claire Hargan by 1 hole

County Team for Inter-County Matches

This year the Inter-County matches are being held at Falkirk (Carmuirs) Golf Club from Monday 29th June until Wednesday 1st July and the Selection Committee are delighted to announce the team to take part as:

Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park)
Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe)
Claire Hargan (Mortonhall)
Claire MacDonald (Gullane Ladies)
Karen Marshall (Baberton)
Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe)
Jane Turner (Craigielaw)
Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)

Reserves:
Gabrielle Macdonald (Craigielaw)
Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield)

Please come along to support your team. All of the squad have been playing well all season and it promises to be a great Inter-County Championship. As ever, 3 foursomes matches will be played in the morning with the tee times starting at 9 am and 6 singles will take place in the afternoon, the tee times being 1.30 pm for the first match and 2.15 pm for the second. The order of play will be as follows:

Monday 29th June:
Fife v Stirling and Clackmannan; Midlothian v East Lothian

Tuesday 30th June:
Midlothian v Fife; East Lothian v Stirling and Clackmannan

Wednesday 1st July:
East Lothian v Fife; Midlothian v Stirling and Clackmannan

MCLGA v Duddingston men

Your Captain, having been talked into the most ridiculous conditions, but in all credit to her, having successfully negotiated an extra shot, would like to thank the MCLGA team of Kirsten Blackwood, Stephanie Crolla, Fiona de Vries, Noreen Fenton, Louise Fraser, Gabrielle Macdonald, Wendy Nicholson, Karen Marshall, Gillian Simpson and Rachael Watton for the great fight they put up against the Duddingston men. Unaware that the men had prearranged to have the white tees moved as far forward as possible and the yellow tees as far back as possible so that there was, at most, a foot difference between the two, it was agreed that the girls would play from the yellows and the men from the whites, with the girls being given 3 shots. Because Duddingston had then introduced a professional into their team, who had just returned from a good run in the recent Tartan Tour Northern Open, the final couple were generously allowed to claim 4 shots. Never fear, note has been take of this for next year and the same thing will not happen again. They have had their chance!

The girls played fantastic golf and the challenge was on for Stuart Turner and Alistair Thomson to out drive Rachael Watton on at least one hole! A very tight contest led to a level match at the end of the night A big thank you to Duddingston Captain, Gordon Paterson and acting Secretary Gavin Clark for organising the match and for a great meal afterwards.

The results were:

Gavin Clark & Robert Binnie halved with Karen Marshall & Louise Fraser
Stuart Turner & Alistair Thomson beat Wendy Nicholson & Rachael Watton by 1 hole
Colin McNeil & Ian Stavert halved with Fiona de Vries & Gabrielle Macdonald
Mark Blore & Dave MacKinnon lost to Noreen Fenton & Kirsten Blackwood
Gordon Paterson & Ally MacKenzie halved with Gillian Simpson & Stephanie Crolla

Midlothian v Lanarkshire

On a gorgeous day, both the Midlothian Main and Junior Squads took on Lanarkshire County at Strathaven Golf Course, in their second pratice match. In glorious sunshine (if slightly windy) on a golf course in great condition (the greens were apparently superb), the main squad won their match by 3 games to 1, however the juniors lost by 1.5 to 0.5. Fresh from their recent trip to the Scottish Amateur at Southerness Golf Course, we were lucky to have Kirsten Blackwood, Louise Fraser, Claire MacDonald, Karen Marshall, Jane Tuner and Rachael Watton in the team, who put tiredness behind them to play some great golf.

Our thanks go to May Hughes (Lanarkshire Captain), the Junior Secretary and Secretary of Lanarkshire, Strathaven Golf Club and Lanarkshire Ladies and Juniors for their hospitality today and the great match (and to Nicole Benson for being an Honorary Junior Member of Midlothian today!)

The results were as follows:

Jane Turner & Rachael Watton beat Pamela Pretswell & Susan Wood - 1 up
Karen Marshall & Louise Fraser lost to Fiona Norris & Angela Devine - 1 down
Claire MacDonald & Kirsten Blackwood beat Ruth Rankin & Joanna Scott - 3&2
Gabrielle Macdonald & Gillian Simpson beat Elaine Cuthill & Lesley Lloyd - 4&3

Juniors:
Hannah Scott & Nicole Benson lost to Abi Gliksten & Amma Caddow - 6&5
Heather Tumblety & Katherine Fisher halved with Nicole Muir & Nicola McLuckie

Midlothian v Borders

Away from the snow, rain, wind and freezing cold which seems to have become the norm of late, the Main and Junior Training Squads enjoyed a match in calm, dry and warmish conditions against the Borders' Ladies at The Hirsel Golf Course in Coldstream, today. The course was in remarkable condition considering the beating it has taken from the weather recently and the golf was also very pleasing to watch. The Midlothian Main Squad recorded a win in their first practice match of 2009, by 4 matches to 0. Unfortunately, the Borders' Juniors were playing in another competition and only 2 of their girls were able to join the four Midlothian Juniors (Sally Naysmith, Natasha Shivji, Kirsty Simpson and Heather Tumblety) to play a stableford competition. In this, Natasha was beaten into second place by Amy Stevenson of the Borders on a count back.

The Main Squad results were:

Claire Hargan & Wendy Nicholson beat Judith Anderson & Denise Richards - 6/5
Rachael Livingstone & Claire MacDonald beat Philippa Costello & Liz Campbell - 2/1
Louise Fraser & Gillian Simpson beat Isla Craigie & Alison Melvin - 1 up
Karen Marshall & Gabrielle Macdonald beat Ann Dods & Sharon Lees -2 up

Our thanks go to Sarah Bolton (the Borders Captain), The Hirsel Golf Club and the Borders Ladies and Juniors for a very enjoyable day.

Cuthbertson Cup and Inter-County Matches

At the East Division Captains' Meeting held on Sunday 8th February 2009 at Kirkcaldy Golf Club, the draws were made for the Cuthbertson Cup and Inter-County Matches. These are as follows:

Cuthbertson Cup:

To be held on Sunday 19th April 2009 at Burntisland Golf Club

Stirling & Clackmannanshire v Midlothian
Fife v East Lothian

The winners from the morning ties will play each other, in singles, in the afternoon, while the losing teams will play foursomes against each other in the afternoon.


Inter-County Matches:

To be held from Monday 29th June - Wednesday 1st July 2009 at Falkirk (Carmuirs) Golf Club

Day 1:
Fife v Stirling & Clackmannanshire
Midlothian v East Lothian

Day 2:
Midlothian v Fife
East Lothian v Stirling & Clackmannanshire

Day 3:
East Lothian v Fife
Midlothian v Stirling & Clackmannanshire

Pre-season Squad Training

As with the Junior Training Squad, pre-season training has been set up for the County Squad. A couple of friendly matches amongst themselves have been set, one in January and another in February. Jane Connachan has once again agreed to give short game coaching sessions, these being held between February and March at Musselburgh Old Golf Course. Along with the juniors, the squad members will be put through their paces in February with a rules night devised by Mary and Linda, and Scott Dixon at Dalmahoy Golf and Country Club will hold a "Train your Golf Brain" coaching session at the end of March. As the season gets underway, we have a variety of practice matches against the Borders Ladies at The Hirsel Golf Club on Sunday 15th March, the Lanarkshire Ladies at Strathaven Golf Club on Sunday 24th May, Duddingston Men on Friday 29th May, and the SUGS at Gullane Golf Club on Friday 5th June.

It is hoped that the Squad will enjoy and benefit from the training which has been set up and it will stand them in good stead for the Inter-County Jamboree which is being held, this year, at Falkirk (Carmuirs) from Monday 29th June to Wednesday 1st July.

County Squad 2009

The County squad for 2009 is:

Kirsten Blackwood (Craigmillar Park), Stephanie Crolla (Duddingston), Fiona de Vries (St Rule), Cara Easton (Dalmahoy), Amanda Edwards (Liberton), Louise Fraser (Kingsknowe), Claire Hargan (Mortonhall), Fiona Hunter (Baberton), Hilary Laughland (Mortonhall), Rachael Livingstone (Musselburgh), Claire MacDonald (Gullane), Gabrielle MacDonald (Craigielaw), Karen Marshall (Baberton), Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe), Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield), Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and Rachael Watton (Mortonhall).

This year the squad welcomes back Louise Fraser and new members, Stephanie Crolla and, from the Junior Squad, Gabrielle MacDonald. We are joined by Linda Caine who, together with our Champion from 2008, Rachael Livingstone, is a selector. We are currently working on training and coaching sessions, together with practice matches both amongst the squad members and against other teams. We wish the squad well for the 2009 season.

Student Golf at Blairgowrie

Congratulations to Jane Turner who won the Ladies event with a score of 76.

East of Scotland Championship

This is being played at Elie Golf Club on 28th September.
The Midlothian team is
Claire Hargan, Rachael Livingstone, Claire MacDonald and Jane Turner.
Rachael Watton is the reserve.
Good luck to everyone in the team competition and in the individual competitions.

East Division County matches

Some of the Midlothian team( above)Rachael Livingstone was also in the team.

The Fife team with the trophy.( above)

The matches were played at Broomieknowe Golf Club. Thanks to Broomieknowe Golf club for hosting the matches. The course was in great condition. Thanks to everyone who helped. There have been lots of great matches every day.

Congratulations to Fife on winning the East Division County matches. They won all three matches.

Results

Monday 23rd June

East Lothian beat Stirling and Clackmanan 5/4

Fife beat Midlothian 5/4

Tuesday 24th June

Fife beat East Lothian 8/1

Midlothian beat Stirling and Clackmanan 6.5/2.5

Wednesday 25th June

Fife beat Stirling and Clackmanan 7/2

Midlothian beat East Lothian 7/2

Thanks to everyone for their good wishes.

County Team

The East Division County Matches are at Broomieknowe Golf Club from 23rd to 25th June

Midlothian County Team 2008

Kirsten Blackwood Craigmillar Park
Fiona de Vries St. Rule
Claire Hargan Mortonhall
Rachael Livingstone Musselburgh Old
Claire MacDonald Gullane
Karen Marshall Baberton
Wendy Nicholson Broomieknowe
Jane Turner Craigielaw
First reserve Rachael Watton Mortonhall

Please come along to Broomieknowe and support your team and see some great golfers.

Winter coaching

The county squad and the junior squad have been attending short game and instinctive golf coaching over the winter months.
They have been helped by Jane Connachan at Musselburgh Old, Mark Berrie at the Braids Driving range and Scott Dixon at Dalmahoy. Thanks to all for your help.
At the last session, on Monday 31st March, we had a visit from Kevin Craggs. He has suggested some new ideas for us to work with for next winter.

Midlothian v Lanarkshire

On 30th March Midlothian played a match against Lanarkshire at Broomieknowe Golf Club.

Results
County squad Midlothian 4 Lanarkshire 0
Juniors girls Midlothian 1.5 Lanarkshire 0.5

Thanks to Broomieknowe Golf Club for the use of the course.

Midlothian v Borders

On 16th March Midlothian played a match against the Borders at Broomieknowe Golf Club.
Results
County squad Midlothian 4 Borders 0
Juniors girls Midlothian 1.5 Borders 0.5
Thanks to Broomieknowe Golf Club for the use of the course.

Teams for matches v Borders and Lanarkshire

Midlothian v Borders at Broomieknowe Golf Club
Sunday 16th March 2008
Midlothian team
Claire Hargan Gillian Simpson
Kirsten Blackwood Karen Marshall
Fiona de Vries Noreen Fenton
Fiona Hunter Cara Easton
Reserve Rachael Watton

Juniors
Gabrielle MacDonald Hannah Scott
Isobel Hinds Kirsty Simpson


Midlothian v Lanarkshire at Broomieknowe Golf Club
Sunday 30th March 2008
Midlothian team
Jane Turner Rachael Livingstone
Karen Marshall Rachael Watton
Kate Rorke Amanda Edwards
Claire MacDonald Hilary Hogg

Juniors
Alison McBride-Rourke Natasha Shikvi
Kate McIntosh Catriona Williams

Draw for East Division Matches at Broomieknowe Golf Club, June 25-27 2008

Monday June 23: Stirling & Clackmannan v East Lothian; Midlothian v Fife
Tuesday June 24: Fife v East Lothian; Stirling & Clackmannan v Midlothian
Wednesday June 25: Stirling & Clackmannan v Fife; Midlothian v East Lothian�

Your support at these matches would be very much appreciated

MCLGA County Squad for 2008

Kirsten Blackwood (Glencorse), Fiona de Vries (St Rule),
Cara Easton (Dalmahoy), Amanda Edwards (Liberton),
Noreen Fenton (Merchants), Claire Hargan (Mortonhall),
Fiona Hunter (Baberton), Lindsey Hunter (Dalmahoy),
Hilary Laughland-Hogg (Mortonhall), Rachael Livingstone (Musselburgh Old)
Claire MacDonald (Gullane), Karen Marshall (Baberton),
Belinda Murphy (Mortonhall), Wendy Nicholson (Broomieknowe),
Kate Rorke (Kingsknowe), Gillian Simpson (Murrayfield),
Jane Turner (Mortonhall), Rachael Watton (Mortonhall)