KirkwoodGolf

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

KERRY THE HEROINE AS BRITAIN BEAT
THE AUSSIES FOR SECOND VICTORY


Britain's amateur golfing girls are on course to win the Five Nations Commonwealth Tournament in South Africa for the first time since 1991 after a second-day win over Australia at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club.
The British team followed up a 7-0 whitewash win over Canada on the first day by coming from behind to score a 4-3 win over the Aussies who had also started with a victory, 5 1/2-1 1/2 over hosts South Africa.
It was 1-1 at lunchtime today after the foursomes were shared. Then it looked as if the Australians were gaining the upperhand when they bounced back from losing the top singles (Breanne Loucks beating Helen Oh 3 and 2) to lead 3-2 with wins by Stephanie Na by 3 and 2 over Krystle Caithness from Fife and by Frances Bondad by 6 and 4 over Naomi Edwards.
But the very experienced Kerry Smith, a chef at Waterlooville Golf Club, Hampshire, landed the match-winning victory after Engish compatriot Melissa Reid from Derby, recent impressive winner of the Helen Holm Scottish women's open title for the second year in a row, had levelled the overall scoreline at 3-3 by beating Emma Bennett 4 and 2.
Everything for Britain rested on Kerry's shoulders and she was equal to the task, beating Sunny Park on the last green by one hole.
It's an all-play-all league table format which ends on Friday with the team having the most points being declared the champions. Britain with two wins from two matches head the table from Australia and Canada (one win apiece) and the pointless New Zealand and South Africa.
On Wednesday, Britain play the Kiwis and then have the day off on Thursday before coming back into the fray on Friday to complete their programme with a match against South Africa.
"The team are hyper after that great win," said the Ladies Golf Union's Scottish chairman, Janet Brown from the Borders. "But Sue Turner, the skipper, will have got them all calmed down again in time for Wednesday's match against New Zealand. Every member of the team deserves praise but I would give Kerry Smith a special mention for winning the vital match at the end of the day."
Canada beat New Zealand 4-3 in the other match.

Tuesday results:
GREAT BRITAIN 4, AUSTRALIA 3
Foursomes: Kerry Smith & Naomi Edwards bt Frances Bondad & Helen Oh 1 hole; Breanne Loucks & Melissa Reid lost to Emma Bennett & Stephanie Na 3 and 2 (1-1).
Singles: Loucks bt Oh 3 and 2, Krystle Caithness lost to Na 3 and 2, Edards lost to Bondad 6 and 4, Smith bt Sunny Park 1 hole, Reid bt Bennett 4 and 2 (3-2).
CANADA 4, NEW ZEALAND 3
Foursomes: Maude Aimee LeBlanc & Sue Kim bt Tammy Clelland & Penny Smith 1 hole; Mary Ann Lapointe & Meaghan Leblanc bt Da Som Lee & Yeon Song Kim 5 and 4 (2-0).
Singles: Lapointe bt Larissa Eruera 6 and 5, Lindsay Knowlton lost to Kim 2 holes, Meaghan Leblanc lost to Clelland 1 hole, Sue Kim lost to Lee 1 hole, Maude Aimee Leblanc bt Smith 4 and 3 (2-3).
HOW THEY STAND
Great Britain 2 wins, Australia 1 win, Canada 1 win, New Zealand 0 wins, South Africa 0 wins.
WEDNESDAY MATCHES
Canada v South Africa, Great Britain v New Zealand.

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