Unfortunately Claire could not repeat her 1st round feat and lost in the 2nd round. She was joined on the journey home by Felicity Johnson, second seed for the matchplay after her 144 qualifying total. Fliss won in the morning but lost 1 down to the experienced Marie Allen.

Both will now rest up for other Midland and National Championships, including County Week in mid June, at Whittington Heath. Your support will be very welcome for any or all of the three days when the WLCGA Squad will be hoping to go all the way to the National finals.

Shelley McKevitt (Reading) beat fellow Curtis Cup International and defending champion Emma Duggleby (Malton & Norton) 2&1 in the English Close semi-finals. Emma drew first blood on the opening hole but Shelley soon levelled matters and went ahead at the 7th, establishing an advantage she never lost. 3-up with 3 holes remaining Shelley lost the 16th but closed out the match with a solid par four on the next.

This was the first time they had played each other although they have trained together in the GB & I squad. Shelley reached the semi-finals last year and went on to win the British Strokeplay Championship and play for Great Britain in the Commonwealth Tournament. Shelley then won the New Zealand Amateur Open during November. An amazing 12 months, which sees Shelley play with Emma at Formby during the Curtis Cup in June.

In the quarter-finals Shelley defeated Chloe Rogers the 19 year old from Braintree, Essex 3&1 and will face Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) in tomorrow’s final. Kerry aged 31 who played in the 2002 Curtis Cup match in the States overcame Sarah-Jane Eaves of Cosby, Leicestershire on the home green in the quarter-finals and then beat Northern Champion Julie Ross (Whitley Bay) by 2&1 after they had been level with 7 holes to play.

Kerry Smith wins English Ladies’ Close Amateur Championship at Northamptonshire County Golf Club. Kerry, 31 years old from Waterlooville, Hampshire has finally made her break through after nine attempts to win this title by beating Shelley McKevitt (Reading) 24.

Kerry had a strong start sinking a 10ft putt on the first hole for a birdie. She led throughout the match, having two birdies and only one bogey. She went 2-up on the third when Shelley put her tee shot into the bunker, but Shelley reduced the deficit on the 7th with a birdie. Kerry went 2-up again on the 13th and carried on to win the 14th to go 3-up. She hit a superb 5 iron on the 15th to within 4ft of the hole and sank the putt for a birdie to win the match 4&3. Kerry said “This was my best shot into the 15th green all week. I am pleased with my game, it’s a great trophy to win, I’m now looking forward to the British”.

Kerry is a chef at her home golf club and fits in her golf and training around work. Lottery funding helps pay for her golf and Kerry said “The Sport England programme has definitely assisted my fitness and game”. Kerry was 3rd at the Sherry Cup and will be playing for her county at Brocket Hall before the British Ladies’ in June at Gullane, Scotland.