The line up for Final was a potent mix of two teams that had both been knocked out of this challenging competition at the semi finals stage in 2010. Both very determined to win in 2011! A very competitive match at Menzies Welcombe was guaranteed! The Warwickshire G C and Maxstoke Park G C teams have played well throughout the season winning their respective Divisions and then gone on to both survive the testing semi finals to qualify for to-day's final. As in previous years the format is 7 matches of singles matchplay.

Players, caddies and spectators were milling around from 7.45 am for the first tee off time of 9.04 a.m. Unlike the pre match routine of the Solheim players, the Warwickshire ladies teams had a nice cup of tea or coffee to calm their early morning nerves instead of making use of the excellent practise facilities at Menzies Welcombe! The pre match 'Open Suite' at the Welcombe was buzzing with nervous anticipation and excitement whilst League Team Captains Sue Shortt (The Warwickshire) and Lin Pillage (Maxstoke Park)agreed and finalised all pairings and the match paperwork. It was interesting that with a handicap range of between 9 and 18 only 3 shots were given which meant that 5 pairings were playing off identical handicaps. Pairings were announced and all that remained was to play! The Welcombe course really looked superb bathed in glorious autumnal sunshine. Bobbi Waugh, County Vice Captain acting as Official Starter sent each pairing on their way.

Almost without exception, the drives on the challenging narrow entrance to the first fairway were really long and accurate. Spectators and officials alike were really impressed. This had all the makings of a tough battle! Both teams looked strong and the only certain outcome was that a team wearing pink would win! - Almost identical handicaps and team colours.

The first pairing of Sheila Cardwell (Maxstoke) and Shirley Li (The Warwickshire) played a very tight focused match and were on the 18th green within 3 1/4 hours! Shirley had a tricky downhill putt to win which unfortunately for Shirley only just lipped out forcing the pairing to go down the 19th. Patrick, the official starter at the Welcombe, ensured that their game was not interrupted, so they pressed straight on and eventually returned with Sheila winning this wonderful match 1 up - that was just the first match!

Most individual matches were so tight, with only one or two holes at most being the difference. As matches concluded it was clear that the overall team match result was going to be right to the wire.

A mass of 'pink' ladies awaited the arrival of the penultimate pairing of Angela Allen (Maxstoke Park) and Michelle Poulson (The Warwickshire) at the 18th green, however, because referee of the day, Jane Dennick of Leamington and County G C (also wearing pink!) was called by them for a ruling on the 18th hole, there was a slight and tense delay.

With the suspense mounting, another pairing just finished on the 17th and declared their result which sealed the overall team match result. Shortly after Angela and Michelle arrived at the 18th green and Michelle chipped in to halve the hole and their match. In this instance a halved match was agreed as playing on would not change the overall team match result. (The individual match did not go down the 19th as required in normal League matches where if a count back is required then every hole is important).

Players, caddies, spectators and officials all enjoyed lunch together before County Captain, Dottie Beanland complimented Dan Hacker, Director of Golf at Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa and Country Club for the excellent condition of the course, particularly after the recent dry conditions and most importantly expressed her thanks on behalf of the WLCGA, for again giving courtesy of the beautiful course and the

invaluable continued support anually received from Menzies Welcombe. Dottie conveyed the thoughts of all present when she commented that it was disappointing that one team had to lose after such a fine match which had been played in the best of spirits. She then presented the Beryl Turner Runners Up Salver to Anne Greenwell and Sue Shortt (Ladies' Captain and League Captain of The Warwickshire respectively).

Finally Marjorie Scott and Lin Pillage (Ladies' Captain and League Captain of Maxstoke Park respectively) accepted the Inter Club League Winner's Salver. In her acceptance speech, Lin Pillage re-iterated how tough and close the whole match had been before commiserating with The Warwickshire team. Maxstoke Club Captain John Cranley was clearly delighted with the result and obviously very proud of 'his' Maxstoke Ladies!

Final Result:

Maxstoke park G C 4 1/2 The Warwickshire G C 2 1/2

Reminder:

Looking forward to seeing you all at The League Supper on 28th September at Copt Heath GC and then the first Winter Alliance on Monday 7th November hosted by Kenilworth GC.

Winter golf already!