Last Words on the Mary Mckenna Perpetual Trophy 2010

The Scottish Vets maybe narrowly lost the trophy this year but somehow it did not seem altogether like a loss, merely allowing the Irish Senior Select team to get the Silvo out for this year and Scotland will get it back again next year. In a way, this being the tenth anniverary of the presentation of the trophy, it seemed almost fair that they should take possession of it. It was certainly expected that they would put up a great fight.

However the team really putting up the fight was Scotland. With the original event being postponed due to the volcanic eruptions in April, the original team chosen by captain Pamela Williamson could not be reproduced 'en totale' when a replacement date was found in July, and reserves had to be brought in. The Irish team had no such problems and not only were they playing at full strength, but they had been taking the opportunity to practise on the course. Well really! There was the odd quite tricky hole or more accurately, should that be, there was the odd quite straightforward hole, such that a little extra practice in clubbing, green expertise etc wouldn't have gone amiss! Seven of the games went to the eighteenth hole and only one finished earlier at the 17th so clearly very little would have made a loss into a victory!

One of the team members Kathleen Sutherland was unable to play which was very sad for her but her place was filled by passers-by in the hotel lobby, one Jennifer Mack of Haggs Castle on Day One who partnered Lorna Bennett (Ladybank) and Pat Hutton (a former Scottish Vet Champion) of Lanark who played a singles match on Day Two - both of whom had just turned up for the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations. Their new titles are Super-Subs since both brought points to the table!

The East Vets present were Pamela Williamson (playing-captain from Baberton) and Noreen Fenton (Dunbar). Pamela was partnered by Helen Faulds in the four-ball, but the opposition proved too strong. Although in her singles match Pamela went down to the very experienced Sheena McElroy at the 17th, she was very well pleased with her game and said it was a very exciting and enjoyable tussle. Noreen partnered Mary Smith in the fourball against Rhona Brennan and Pat Doran, which they won by 3 and 2, never having being down. Pat, however was looking for revenge in the singles. Although there was a healthy exchange of holes early on, and some very nice chipping, the game was all square at the 11th. Then Pat had three birdies in the next four holes, one, pitching in from 40 yards and one chipping in from off the green. Noreen went dormie three down. She retaliated by chipping dead at the dog-leg 16th - normally a difficult par four but felt like a birdie into the quite strong wind. She won the elevated 17th hole to be only dormie one down but could only manage a half at the long 18th. Not enough.

This game is much enjoyed by all players as it is always fought in the most competitive but friendly spirit. Long may it continue and soon may the trophy come back over the Irish Sea!