JAMBOREE ‘23
This year our team were sadly unable to retain the Inter-County Jamboree trophy we won last year but put in an equally creditable performance in unprecedented adverse circumstances.
Unfortunately shortly after our arrival at Muckhart the team were struck by a nasty vomiting bug which went on to affect most players during the course of the weekend. In addition one of the only two players to avoid the bug suffered a wrist injury. Despite the magnificent efforts of our ailing players, at times we did not have sufficient fit players to fulfil our fixtures and were forced to concede some matches.
The golf unfolded as follows:
Saturday 10th June v Perth & Kinross. Our foursomes got off to an unfortunate start with a concession being necessary after a player became ill on the first tee and no other players being fit to play at that time. Our two remaining couples fought hard in close matches before unfortunately losing. Due to the efforts of the players, we were able to fulfil the six afternoon singles and managed to win two matches through Rachel Mathieson and team debutant Fiona Pennie.
Result: Perth & Kinross 7 Aberdeenshire 2
Sunday 11th June v Northern Counties. In an exciting morning session we lost the foursomes 3-0, losing two of the matches at the 18th. However Aberdeenshire fought back to win the afternoon singles session by 31/2 to 21/2 with Fiona Pennie, Karolina Martincova and Lynne Tough winning their matches and Rachel Mathieson getting a half.
Result: Northern Counties 51/2 Aberdeenshire 31/2
Monday 12th June v Angus. Aberdeenshire won the morning foursomes session 2-1 with Fiona Pennie & Karolina Martincova and Sheena Wood & Kim Watt winning their matches. We had to concede one of the afternoon singles matches due to a lack of fit players and Suzanne Robertson was unfortunately unable to complete her match due to injury. Despite this Aberdeenshire managed to win three of the remaining four singles through Karolina Martincova, Sheena Wood and Kim Watt to secure our match win.
Result: Aberdeenshire 5 Angus 4
The Jamboree was won by Northern Counties who defeated Perth & Kinross in an exciting final match which was decided by the last game at the 18th. Perth & Kinross finished as runners up with Aberdeenshire 3rd and Angus 4th.
I must congratulate and thank the Aberdeenshire players for the extraordinary effort they put in over the weekend with many playing for the team when they would have preferred to be resting and recovering. Their mutual support and encouragement was superb and it was a pleasure to Captain them.
Thanks also go to all those who sent good wishes to the team and to those who travelled down to support us in person. In particular my thanks go to our President, Marta Moody, for her support throughout the weekend.
While I am sure each Jamboree has its own highlights and memories I suspect this one will go down in history for uniquely different reasons.