East Vets v Midlands at Pitfirrane

 

The rain was battering so ferociously in Edinburgh and East Lothian this morning that all members of the team would not have been blamed in the slightest for thinking that the re-run of the fairly new East Vets v Midlands Vets match had run aground yet again - or possibly adrift might be nearer the mark. But, surprisingly, it was nowhere near as bad over in Fife and Pitfirrane was coping perfectly with any rain. The East Vets jumped into their cars and headed for the Forth Road Bridge.

Delicious bacon rolls and coffee awaiting the players, were wolfed down before everyone headed out to the car-park to don waterproofs. The rain did not stop until the last players were just about finished but thankfully was never as heavy as earlier. The course did not show signs of flooding at all and the greens were still very pacy despite the rain. Emma Wilson, captain of Midlands and her vice-captain, Winnie braved the rain long enough to await the players at the halfway mark with a bagful of goodies. After this, they weren't seen again so presumably had the good sense to give some trade to the catering service.

Midlands won the Liz Miskimmin Friendship Quaich for the second year running by 5 games to 2. This match was intended for the 6 - 10 handicappers playing off scratch except for the final game between Noreen Fenton and Sandy Bushby where strokes were given for the difference in handicaps as yet another last-minute reserve (for the reserve) had proved impossible to procure and Noreen filled in rather than enjoying coffee and a chat with the hosts. Sandy clearly did not really need the strokes as she won by 3 and 1.

Next year the East will have the Midlands back on home ground where a very serious effort will be made to putting some super glue on the bottom of that quaich. Everyone enjoyed the day and also the lovely hot soup and sannies on returning to the clubhouse. All thanks to our Midlands hosts for a very enjoyable match.

Results (East first)
Barbara Biggart lost to Dawn Butchart by 3 and 2
Sheila Lyon beat Joan Peden by 1 hole
Elinor Blair lost to Katharine Keir by 6 and 5
Caroline Kinnaird lost to Anne Chisholm by 2 and 1
Ray Lynch beat Fran Liddle by 3 and 2
Ellice Cackett lost to Alison Houston by 6 and 5
Noreen Fenton lost to Sandy Bushby by 3 and 1