RUNAWAY WIN FOR MURCIA CHALLENGE QUARTET

Issued 1st October, 2012
A quartet of golfers from Essex and Cheshire swept to a nine-point win in the first event of the English Women’s Murcia Challenge with a superb team total of 102 points. Team member Lesley Mifsud, of Eaton in Cheshire, commented: “Every single one of us played out of our skins!” She was joined by fellow Eaton member, Belinda Martin, and by Kay Bone and Frances Payne of Upminster. “Last year we came third and we were determined the beat that – and we did!” said Frances, who enjoyed the distinction of chipping in for a birdie on the 11th on the Mar Menor course. All four - who turned out today in team colours of pale green and white - played well, each amassing an individual score of at least 36 points. “It was just fab,” said Belinda. Crucially, they were on form on the short holes. The competition format called for the best two Stableford scores on each hole, with all four scores to count on the short holes. On each of the four par threes they scored eight points or better. “We knew it would come down to the par threes,” said Lesley. The four women met in the first English women’s overseas event back in 2010 and have forged a firm friendship, meeting up in between the annual competitive holiday. The runners-up were Kathy Hunt and Gay Mulvey, from The Leicestershire, with Janet Graham and Carolyn Lines from Abbey Hill in Buckinghamshire. They scored 93 points and pipped a group from Royal Norwich, Norfolk, on countback. Carolyn, who is taking part in the Challenge for the first time, said: “Gay was the star, I think she scored on practically every hole, and the rest of us contributed equally. We all complemented each other.” Janet joined the Challenge for the first time last year and came on her own. Her experience convinced her to come again and to encourage friends such as Carolyn: “Everyone made me so welcome, every group I played with invited me to join them for dinner – and I thought this is what golf’s all about.” The Royal Norwich group of Nickie Clarke, Sadie Lines, Jan Redgment and Val Canham were first out and set the early pace with their 93. It included a four-pointer from Val when she chipped in on the 7th and at least two long putts holed by Sadie, who remarked: “It was all good team work.” Results 102 Kay Bone & Frances Payne (Upminster), Lesley Mifsud & Belinda Martin (Eaton) 93 Kathy Hunt & Gay Mulvey (The Leicestershire), Janet Graham & Carolyn Lines (Abbey Hill). Nickie Clarke, Jan Redgment, Sadie Lines & Val Canham (Royal Norwich) 90 Michelle Underwood & Ann Hazelwood (Fingle Glen), Polly Brettle (Elsham), Sheila Petchey (Holme Hall) 88 Jill Corbett, Helen James, Julie Macadam & Jenny Davis (West Hove) 87 Sue Howorth, Gill James, Judith Wainwright & Marjorie Griffiths (Ringway) 85 Kathy Evans, Sue Evans, Beryl Aubrey & Doreen Nicol (Henlle Park). Sue Heeles, Janet Clare (Royal Norwich), Sally Seboa (Shooters Hill) & Anne Robertson 84 Diane Gouk (Royal Belfast), Lyn Edwards (Henlle Park), Irene Bowker & Lynne Perry (Morecambe) Caption: The winning team (from left) Kay Bone, Frances Payne, Belinda Martin and Lesley Mifsud Image © Geoff Cox