Every year the second team takes part in two regional Midland South matches (Berkshire and Buckinghamshire) to determine our position and opponent for Second Team Finals’ Day.   

The qualifying matches are full day events, consisting of 3 morning foursomes matches, and 6 afternoon singles. This year we recorded a win (at home against Berkshire) and a loss (away against Buckinghamshire).  The match against Buckinghamshire was played at Gerrards Cross, for the second time of asking, after poor weather overnight prompted postponement of the original fixture. It proved a very tricky course to play without prior knowledge.      

Finals’ day sees all six teams comprising the Midlands South Region competing for positions 1-6. Having played relatively well this season, the OLCGA second team were hopeful of at least a third/fourth play-off place. However, with Berkshire beating Buckinghamshire at home, every team recorded a win and a loss, so the standings were determined by games won: 1st Buckinghamshire 10.5; 2nd Berkshire 9; 3rd Oxfordshire 7.5. 

Midlands South Second Team Finals’ Day  

As a result, we played against Warwickshire for fifth/sixth place on finals day. The match comprised 6 singles games and was also hosted by Gerrards Cross GC.  With a strong team of Megan Bishop, Sarah Hillas, Nikki Halsall, Lydia Avann, Sarah Clarke and Phoebe Simons, the very warm August day dictated a limited pre-match warm up, ample hydration, and strategies to keep physically cool, in addition to the necessary golfing prowess. At a busy time in the golfing year, we were light on supporters, but did enjoy the company of Claire Bishop who walked the course with the team. 

Everyone played extremely well, and we recorded a 4-2 win against Warwickshire. We had some strong results across the board including some quick early wins, two close fought losses, and a main squad debut from Phoebe Simons of Tadmarton Heath registering a very solid 3&1 result. I had the privilege of acting as caddy for Phoebe, and consequently witnessed an impressively cool head, and some awesome ball striking. Well done, Phoebe, you should be very proud of yourself. And well done second team, on the day, and throughout the season. Let’s use this as a stepping stone to a stronger result again next season.       

Tracy Roberts 
Vice-Captain, OLCGA

2024 Final Results Midlands South 2nd Team