Essex Ladies County Golf
Knockout finals Sunday 19th October 2025
Finals day dawned sunny, with the autumn colours on the Braintree course looking magnificent, so everyone hoped they would buck the forecast which was for rain and gusty winds. However once all the players were underway the rain started and though intermittent at first never completely let up for the rest of the day.
First off were the Gold singles Knockout players Lauren Gowers from Chelmsford and Paula Wendleken from Abridge. Paula was receiving 4 shots but Lauren made a strong start winning the first 3 holes. Her lead was pegged back to all square by the 11th hole. After halving the next two holes Paula went on to win three of the next four to close the match 3&1.
Silver players were Christine Curtis from the Essex and Teresa Yeomans from Upminster who received 5 shots. The first half of the match was fairly even with Teresa one up after ten, but as the weather worsened Teresa made a charge to win the next four holes and close out 5&4 on the tricky par 3 14th where both players were in trouble off the tee.
In the Bronze pairing of Virginia Richardson from Frinton receiving 8 shots, and Ann Selby from Romford, it was Virginia who made a quick start going 2up but she had trouble with the pond on 3 so Ann began her comeback to put Romford 2up after 8. Virginia then won the next two so all square after 10. The match finally concluded 3&1 to Ann.
The Hilo Foursomes was played between Jane Taylor and Trudi Hart from Boyce Hill and Sandra Balderston and Sarah Fryer from Frinton. The playing handicaps being the same for both teams no shots were given. Play ebbed and flowed leaving Frinton 2up after 8 holes and finished 5&3 to Frinton.
The match that had everyone talking while we waited for our tea and cake was the Logan Trophy being played between Evie Stone from The Rayleigh Club and Olivia Savage from The Essex. Evie was receiving 6 shots from Olivia who got off to a strong start going 2up after nine holes which became 4up after 11, but Evie was not letting this match go so she clawed them all back by the 16th. After two halved holes they were off down the first again, in the now steady rain. Three more halved holes followed and then Olivia clinched the match on the par 3 4th extra hole. A mention here for Jo Sheppard the rules official for this match who walked the 22 holes in grim conditions and was still smiling when she came in.
All the games were played in great spirit. Many thanks to all the rules officials who gave up their time to be there and who always add something to the occasion. Thanks too to the supporters and to Bridget Logan who supported the girls playing for her trophy and then presented it to Olivia.
Thank you to Braintree Golf Club who were excellent hosts and finally to Elaine Davidson who presented the trophies for the final time as Essex Ladies Captain.
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