Early season 1st team friendly v Hampshire

12 March, 2025

1st Team Friendly Match

Venue: Frilford Heath – Green Course (yellow tees)
Date: Sunday 9 March, 2025

Result: Hampshire win

An early season opener saw an Oxfordshire team of Laura Watkins (Bicester), Lara Murphy (Frilford Heath), Sarah Hillas (Henley), Nikki Halsall (Kirtlington) and Amy Boote, Lydia Avann and Caroline Johnson (all Tadmarton Heath) take on an extremely strong Hampshire side in this annual friendly fixture. Comprising 3 singles and 2 fourball matches, we were treated to a wonderful warm spring day, and lightning fast Frilford greens.

We were delighted to welcome Bicester’s Laura Watkins back the team. She took part in a truly close and exciting match losing on the 18th hole. I enjoyed watching our youngest player on the day, Lara Murphy, battle to the 16th against Hampshire’s Kerry Smith who is 2024 English Senior Women’s Open Stroke Play champion. And recognise the fighting spirit of the foursomes pairing of Lydia Avann and Nikki Halsall,who didn’t get off to a quick start, but fought all the way to the 17th. Grit can get you a long way!

Matches were tight, with most going to the last few holes. The Hampshire team was packed with golfing talent, but our character shone through as we battled to keep tough matches alive. What was just as impressive was the way team members focused, post-match, on where improvements could come in future.

The hard-fought matches were all played in good spirit. And the Oxfordshire team appreciated the support of County President, Christine Bishop, who wished each group well as they tee’d off.

Tracy Roberts
Captain, OLCGA