And a Great day was Held at Troon

East Vets retained the Elise Duncan Trophy at Troon Portland today by 6.5 to 2.5 against a pretty strong West team.

The day started off rather dull in the Lothians before all the cars carrying excited but determined East Vets, headed off in the Troon direction. Many were pleased that they were not to be playing in the scorching temperatures of recent days but the rain encountered en route was a bit of a shock as some had not seen fit to pack a umbrella - but it did not last and really the golfing conditions were excellent.

Bacon rolls, crisped to personal preference were churned forth at breakneck speed together with ennervating coffee. Exact handicaps were checked and then Helen Faulds (West Vets captain)read out her team to be matched one at a time by East Vets, for complete transparency - actually we're pretty honest, we would just have given her our list if she'd asked. And then to battle.

There were reports of a great many birdies but that might feasibly be because the fairways were so very dry that the ball, given half a dunt, could roll for miles but the disadvantage of that was of course, any trouble came that much nearer. Some people had more than their fair share of bunker trouble. The greens were quite magnificent and very receptive to positive putting.

Once into the clubhouse, despite initially everyone saying they wouldn't change from golf gear, virtually everyone did, only no one told the last couple out, Jane Herd and Pat Hutton who came into the meal straight off the course. Very thoughtfully no one drew attention to this - until now. Winners and losers together there was much to chat about over a mild libation. Jennifer Mack wanted to know who had mistakenly picked up her dark glasses, Anna Telfer said she couldn't remember which of her eyes had the contact lens still in but several people helped her find it - such is the friendliness of this occasion. After some photographs, there was the presentation of the Elise Duncan Trophy by Captain Helen to the East Vice-Captain, Noreen Fenton, with determined words of definitely winning it at Gullane next year. (Well we'll see about that!) Everyone then enjoyed a delicious meal together with home-baking which didn't sit on the plates for any length of time. Thanks to the West Vets for a great day.

Results (East vets first)
Noreen Fenton won against May Hughes 5 and 4
Moira Thomson won against Suzanne Cadden 5 and 3
Pamela Williamson halved with Alex Glennie
Ruth Brown lost to Helen Faulds 6 and 5
Lesley Johsnton lost to Anna Telfer 3 and 1
Sue Penman won against Jennifer Mack 2 and 1
Caroline Johnston won against Janice Paterson 4 and 2
Karen Ballantyne won against Joanna Scott 2 and 1
Jane Herd won against Pat Hutton 3 and 2