Our annual team championships took place at Beau Desert Golf Club, set on the edge of Cannock chase. The course looked magnificent with all the autumn colours in all their glory. This year we had a record entry of 16 teams, with 6 counties entering 2 teams. Most teams stayed at the comfortable Ramada Hotel close by. We met up with the Lady Captain, Nicola on Sunday afternoon and she was most helpful in setting up all the competition information.

We woke up to a bright crisp, sunny morning on our first day, all looking forward to playing. Beau Desert had provided us with lots of helpers and this proved most useful as a lot of players were held up en route in a major accident. We were able to move players around. All but our captain and secretary elect played the greensome. (They were caught drinking wine on the M1 in a stationary queue). There were some good scores returned and everyone got to see the course.

On Day 2 the weather again was beautiful, but quite cold. The greens were proving difficult for most players but there were some good scores returned and the leading county were Northants by 2 shots from Notts, with Caron Harrison from Notts taking the individual lead followed closely by Sue Spencer, Mary McLaren and Karen Lobb on 79. The evening entertainment and players dinner was very successful, with players enjoying bingo again. Yours truly and Sue Pidgeon organised a quiz and games. Particularly funny was the kazoo game (do you remember these).

Last day and all to play for with the weather sunny and bright again. Most players were hoping for better putting. They really are very difficult greens, with tricky borrows. At least Day 2 was reduction only, much to the players delight. Some good scores were returned, with Sue Spencer taking best gross for the 2nd year running and Northants the overall title by 3 shots from Staffordshire. The best nett was won by Nottinghamshire with Warwickshire the runners up. Thank you to all who made the tournament a great success and particularly to Beau Desert and all the members and helpers.

Andrea Stockdale Organiser