WOMEN'S 2nd TEAM WIN INTER-COUNTIES' FINAL - AGAIN!

Women’s Inter-Counties 2nd Team – Our Journey to the Title

For this competition, the 6 south-west counties play in 2 groups. A round robin between Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and the other between Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The winner of each group meets in the final which was at Tiverton Golf Club on Sunday, 28th September. The format for each match is 3 foursomes games in the morning and 6 singles in the afternoon. Somerset had gained their place in the final and this is how Devon got there – and won!

Devon v Cornwall – West Cornwall Golf Club, 4th May
The season opened in glorious sunshine at West Cornwall, with Devon taking on Cornwall in a fiercely contested battle.

First out were Frances Harbron (Okehampton) and Belle Tarr (Churston), who fought all the way to the 18th but were narrowly defeated, 2 down, by Jo and Charlotte. The new pairing of Helen Chivers (East Devon) and Carys Morris (Portmore) quickly showed their strength, securing a 2 & 1 win over Hayley and Izzy. The morning’s final foursomes saw Hannah Reynolds (Teignmouth) team up with rookie Georgia Denega (Churston). Despite a strong effort against Pauline and Milly, they lost on the last hole, leaving Devon trailing 2–1 after the morning session.

The afternoon singles saw a spirited fightback. Belle halved her match, Georgia claimed an impressive debut win 5 & 4, and Hannah and Frances both delivered vital points. With Devon leading 4½–3½, it all came down to Carys, who coolly halved the final match to clinch a 5–4 overall victory.

Devon vs Dorset – Torquay, 10th August
Another sun-filled day greeted the teams at Torquay, and once again the morning foursomes proved tightly fought. Hannah Reynolds and Helen Chivers battled to the 18th but lost 2 down. Making their 2nd Team debuts, Tracey Chandler (Downes Crediton) and Sally Underwood (East Devon) combined brilliantly for a 2-up win against Louise and Melanie. The last morning pairing of Frances Harbron and Belle Tarr went down 5 & 4, leaving Devon behind 2–1.

The afternoon singles saw a stunning turnaround. Tracey edged a 1-up victory, before Frances, Belle, and Hannah stormed through with dominant wins (7 & 6, 5 & 3, and 5 & 4 respectively). Despite a defeat for Helen, Sally wrapped up the match with a win, giving Devon a resounding 6–3 triumph.

Two wins from two matches meant Devon topped the division and booked their place in the final once again, this time to defend their title.

Devon vs Somerset – The Final at Tiverton Golf Club, 28th September
For the second year running, Devon reached the Women's 2nd Team Inter-Counties Final and had the title to defend under blue skies and perfect conditions at Tiverton.

The morning foursomes were fiercely competitive. Frances Harbron and Tracey Chandler secured a half against Libbie and Abi, while Belle Tarr and Helen Chivers also halved their match with Lili and Milly. Georgia Denega and Hannah Reynolds produced a strong win over Vicky and Sara, giving Devon a 2–1 lead at lunch—the first time this season they had led after the morning session.

In the afternoon, the drama built. Georgia lost out to a sharp Somerset opponent, but Hannah kept her superb form with a 6 & 5 win. Belle turned her match around to win 3 & 1, before Frances fell 4 & 2 in a hard-fought game. Rookie Emily Coombes (Great Torrington), drafted in at the last minute, showed incredible spirit despite missing a family celebration, only to see her putt lip out on the 18th, handing Somerset the point.

With the overall score locked at 4–4, all eyes turned to Tracey. One down playing the 18th, she held her nerve to square the match and force extra holes. On the 19th, she sent a superb drive down the middle, followed by a brilliant approach to within four feet. When her Somerset opponent couldn’t recover, the hole was conceded—securing Devon a famous victory and back-to-back titles!

Following the match, both teams enjoyed a meal together before the trophy presentation. Denise of Somerset graciously handed the trophy to Lorna of Devon.

A huge thank you goes to Tiverton for hosting, to the catering staff for looking after the players, and to all the parents and caddies for their support. Above all, congratulations to every member of the DevonGolf Women’s 2nd Team—your determination, team spirit and skill brought home the trophy once again.

For Lorna, the outgoing Women’s 2nd Team Manager, it was the perfect finale:
“It has been an amazing three years, and I’m proud to finish on such a high. Well done, ladies!”

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