The Pearson Trophy Finals from the Manager's viewpoint.
Day before the competition,
Arrived home from Wrotham having chatted to Hilda for 2hrs 30mins, just deciding whether or not to brave the rain, we finally decided a coffee and a chat would be good. Watched Neighbours, after discovering how Libby and Dan's affair was going, thought I would check for emails.
That set things off, worked until 10pm, told Philip, I'm off to bed, an early morning was coming. Set the alarm for five o'clock, won't be time for that extra 9 minutes in the morning.
Job list; Get up, eat something, load remaining gear into car, don't forget to pick Elaine up.
I arrived at Elaine's place at 5.45am, 15 minutes early, let the car creep along her road; give her an extra 15 minutes without Chris worrying her.
Oh! She up and looking as fresh as a daisy, I hate her!
The traffic was non-existent and our arrival at Tenterden Golf Club was 20 minutes too early, could have had ten minutes more in bed.
We get out the car, I must have driven recklessly, Elaine was already puffing away on her Cigs.
Into the Club house we go, nice guy opened the door for us, set the welcome table up, then first one vet arrived and then another until there was a group of six of them, I was beginning to think we had come to the wrong place, but they assured us we were at Tenterden and there was a Ladies thing on today.
Mel arrived an old adversary from Westerham, yes, we were ok, it's was not a dream. Margaret Mc arrived, handed over her team list and Handicap certs.
Good start everything ok. Then the seasiders arrived, Team lists and handicaps all ok, two with two to go. Where is Laura? She is usually first.
Then she arrives having spent the night in a local hotel, bemoaning the fact that she had to wait for breakfast. My stomach thought bacon and eggs nice.
Paperwork all ok for Nizels. Right where are Ashford, Shirley is good we can complete everything and get going.
Marilyn Brown had arrived to act a starter, Corinne had arrived, Referee and Flasher, but Sarah was stuck in traffic jams, she arrived in time to see the 3 rd match off. All is now well.
Anne Cotton the Chair of the Pearson Management Committee arrived and Jill Wellbelove too, oh! Help better watch my p's and q's now, or I will be in for it.
Now, we need to sort out lunch tables for players, its always a difficult time of day, trying to feed everyone and get the final going on time in the afternoon. The morning's session had produced two very close exciting matches, the first
Ashford v Westerham ended with Westerham just scrapping a 4/3 win and
the other semi final was tied 3 each with the final match going up the 19th, then a cheer went up, Nizels had just managed to win.
We managed to get through lunch and start the Final, albeit 30 minutes behind schedule, Westerham had the honour of teeing of first, the matches were going nicely, then two matches finished both wins for Nizels, we caught up with Clare Yonge and Jenny Knight on the 17th, Claire then won the match on the 18th for Westerham, next came Helen Lejot and Jan Martindale in another close match, this time Helen won on the 18th, bringing the teams on to level terms at 2 all.
The atmosphere was electric, which team was going to win?
News came in that Westerham had taken one of the last three matches on the course and then Westerham had won the Final of the Pearson Trophy.
Scenes of happiness were everywhere also scenes of sadness, but in the end only one team can win and both sides had played their hearts out.
The Champagne flowed for both Teams, congratulations and commiserations were exchanged and talk of great days golf.
We held the presentation in the Clubhouse, Col Tim Wilson, Tenterden's President, welcomed us all and hoped we had had a nice day.
Then it was my turn, I said my bit as fast as possible and then Sarah Miller the President of the K.C.L.G.A., presented the Silver Salver to Margaret McCallum, Captain of Westerham.
Corinne Chapman held a photo call, then players, Captains and spectators melted away and the 98th Pearson Trophy for Kent were concluded.
Elaine and I talked of how wonderful all four teams had been and how great the staff at Tenterden were. The members, well you can't ask for better.
Then there was a rumble, I thought it was thunder, but it turned out to be my stomach, the Chinese and long cold grapefruit juice when down really well and a long nights sleep.
I dreamt of Westerham winning the Four County Final for Kent…….ZZZZzzzz
