Moira Wins East Vets Championship Final

Congratulations to Moira on winning the East Vets Championship. Moira Thomson (Gullane, left) and Ruth Brown (Lothianburn, right) played out their final at Haddington on Friday and it was a corker - a really great final. Captain Elise was the main (only) supporter but she certainly got her moneysworth.

Ruth started the way she planned to continue and drew first blood with a birdie 3 at the first hole but Moira retaliated almost immediately with a birdie at the third. Great start! A sign of things to come. Up to the 13th, the game had been very even with only one hole ever in it. Whereas conditions had been difficult with an almost gale-force wind coming straight over the Haddington chimney-pots, making it hard-going playing into the wind, it was an absolute lottery with the wind coming from the rear. By comparison, the tenth hole was almost a haven - emphasis on the 'almost'- being partially sheltered to the left by the trees. Such was the strength of the wind at the 11th, Moira's ball went through the back of the green, but she chipped back and holed the putt to go one up. Back against the elements at the ever-dangerous 12th, where the wind could easily alter the outcome of the hole by stearing an unwary ball to a watery grave, a very respectable half was achieved.

Then followed the diamond in the crown when both players birdied the next three holes. Certainly the wind was helpful at the long 13th and 15th but on the short 14th, it was full-on. Both used rescue woods to the most evil of pin positions - tucked behind the right hand bunker. Driving first, Moira played it safe, dropping the ball about 30 feet from the pin. Ruth then followed but although she gave the green a desultory wave, it trickled off the right hand slope, requiring a chip back on. This she did with a flourish, holing out for a birdie 2 ! Nothing daunted, Moira took up the challenge and proceeded to slot her own ball from 10 yards. A brave putt indeed!

At the 15th, Moira was on the green in two. Ruth chipped on, hitting the pin to stop dead for a gimme. Two putts from Moira produced the half. Still one up at this point, the 16th saw two good drives. Moira's slightly wayward chip went round the back of the green - the pin was to the front - but she calmly chipped back on to 10 feet and proceeded to hole out for yet another half.

The seventeenth, a hole deserving of respect at the best of times, was a little tricky with the fierce assisting wind. In all honesty neither hit the best of tee shot - understandable when possibly caution ruled together with a fair smattering of nerves- aware that a slightly off the mark tee-shot to a lethal right to left sloping green could spell disaster. However both managed to get on the dance floor. Uncharacteristically Ruth three -putted and it was all over. Moira had won 2 and 1. But what a final! Congratulations to both.

Moira is now on track for that Scroggie Cup.