Newport Seal Fifth Welsh Women’s Team Championships Win In Last Decade

By Hamish Stuart

Newport won the Welsh Women’s Team Championships in Rhuddlan to confirm their status as the dominant women’s club team in Wales in recent years.

It was their fifth title in the last decade, the second victory in the last three years, for the club who have reached the final 11 times since 2009, including all of the last four.

Newport won a tight final against Aberdovey, who were led by Welsh Girls’ champion Isobel Kelly, by three matches to two in the final.

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The strength of the Newport team came from the middle three players with Lottie Raymond, Jess Evans and Megan Vineall unbeaten throughout the Championships and providing the title winning victories in the final.

That was after former Welsh Amateur champion Lauren Hillier was beaten by Kelly in the top game, while Lucy Salmon completed the Newport team and contributed in the earlier rounds.

Defending champions Pyle and Kenfig were beaten by hosts Rhuddlan in the opening round, while Pontardawe and Royal St David’s were the two losing semi-finalists.

Pyle and Kenfig had the consolation of winning the Margaret Wood Plate for teams losing in the first two rounds, eight shots clear of Monmouthshire in second with Rhuddlan in third.

“The final was very tight and it came down to the last match still out on the course where Jess Evans was 4 down after 10 holes but came back to win by one hole,” said Newport Ladies Match Captain, Judith Wenman.

“We have been in the last four finals and the key to our success has been keeping most of the team together over the years – that seems to be the secret.

“Both the times we lost recently was when we played the host clubs in the final.

“Rhuddlan was a fantastic venue for the event. It was lovely and the greens were really good. It was all very well organised.”

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Wales Golf Competitions Manager, Dan Fullager added: “Congratulations to Newport for another strong performance in the Welsh Women’s Team Championships.

“Their record in the last few years really is exceptional and they were worthy winners.

“Congratulations also to Rhuddlan whose team were competitive in the match play and in the Margaret Wood Plate, while the course was widely praised by all involved.

“Also, thanks to the staff and volunteers who did so much to help the smooth running of the event.”

Next up on the Wales Golf calendar is the Welsh Under 14’s and Under 16’s Championships at Northop this week. It is also the week of the AIG Women’s Open in St Andrew’s, one of golf’s Majors which will be coming to Wales and Royal Porthcawl in 12 months.