We arrived bright and early on a gloriously hot day at Sittingbourne G.C.
The 4 semi-finalists were eager to get going, first tee 0830:
West Malling v Nizels and Sene Valley v Royal Cinque Ports.
The course was in amazing condition looking and playing superbly, with a new testing layout
on the 6th par 4 over water onto the elevated green. The greens were quick!
With some tricky lies off fairway to deal with, Director Val Crompton had organised a small
army of volunteers who spotted and marshalled players around the course on a very long
hot day. Many thanks to them.
The Club President, Stella Dyson and Lady Captain Debbie Trott were present on the first
tee, while Club Captain Dan Ellis did a fantastic job as Starter, setting the scene for a superb
semi-finals contest.
Between West Malling and Nizels it was anyone’s match after 9 holes, then 2-2 for a long
time, but then Nizels pushed hard and got the next 2 wins and so were through to the final.
Between Sene Valley and Royal Cinque Ports after 9 holes it was even. Then RCP went ahead
to 3-1, Sene Valley gained a match back to 3-2 and then RCP got their 4th game and went
through to the Final.
Commiserations to West Malling and Sene Valley, great competitors, and getting through to
the semi-finals is something to be very proud of. We look forward to you taking part next
year.
The Final started just after 2pm, with Dan rounding players up to the first tee. Both captains
kept their teams the same and after 9 holes the scores were exactly level. It was going to be
a humdinger. After 3 and half hours of play it was 2 all. Stamina and sheer perseverance
from all players was key at this point. At 1810 the outcome was decided as Nizels had
clinched their 4 wins to take the title.
Congratulations to our new Kent Pearson Trophy champions Nizels and really well done to
runners up Royal Cinque Ports for such a closely fought final. Both teams gave everything
they had and deserve credit for their entertaining play and for making it a noteworthy final.
Thanks were then made during presentation speeches to our hosts Sittingbourne, General
Manger Steve Bootes, grounds staff led by Paul Best, and catering by Laura I’Anson.
Thank you to all players caddies and managers.
We look forward to the Inter Counties Finals at Princes GC on 21 July where Kent will be
represented by Nizels G.C and all supporters will be very welcome.
Many thanks Karen and Helen
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