Last weekend's festival of golf at Matamata was a resounding success.  Friday 7th the New Zealand foursomes results were as follows:

Winners Brittney Dryland and Joanna Kim (71, 68) Runners Up Vivian Lu and Silvia Brunotti (72, 72) and third placegetters were Lucy Owen and Chantelle Cassidy (73, 72).  Nett winners were Caitlin Maurice and Ella Campbell (74, 72) Runners Up Sian Stevenson and Zeta Syme. (79, 70) and 3rd Siyi Keh and Karameli Vitale (74, 75).

After a very inclement Friday, Saturday dawned promisingly for the 78 players taking part in the 43rd Ruth Middleton event.  As usual the quality of the field was amazing with 12 players on zero or better handicap index.  After the first two rounds Siyi Keh (Pakuranga) held the lead on total 139 from New Zealand stroke and matchplay champion Chantelle Cassidy on 141.  In the final round these two were teamed with 3rd place Shani White (Gulf Harbour) on 147.  Leading the Nett was Jill Morgan (Cambridge) 71, 67.

Sunday looked extremely gloomy for the final round with the greens holding quite a bit of water.  Surprisingly a few minutes after the start the clouds cleared and the final round was played in heavy but fine weather. The leading three quickly became a two horse race with Siyi Keh keeping her nose in front until the final four holes.  The NZ champ, Chantelle, produced a stunning finish with birdies on the four holes to take the title by one stroke from Siyi.  This is the fourth time in five years that Chantelle has won the Ruth Middleton Cup.

The Nett winner, Jill Morgan, (Waikato's No 1 Masters player)  played a stunning final round of 71 off the stick (Hcp 6) to take out the Burke Salver by a huge margin of 12 shots.  Her three Nett scores were 71, 67, 65.  Runner Up was Jennifer Manning (Horsham Downs).  Two Matamata players Sheelah Lamb (9th) and Pam Wright (16th) featured in the Nett prize list.

As usual John and Jackie Middleton attended the final day and prize giving.  Every year John speaks with affection about his late mother's love of golf and how proud she would be to see so many young, and not so young, golfers showing their talent.  This event is very special to their family and to all participants.

Gross Results:  

Chantelle Cassidy  Riverside, 68, 73, 68

Siyi Keh Pakuranga, 69, 70, 71

Carmen Lim Windross Farm 78, 79, 70

Shani White Gulf Harbour, 73, 74, 72

Brittney Dryland Titirangi 71, 77 72

Joanna Kim Windross Farm, 77, 73, 71

Thank you for this report, supplied by Matamata Golf Club Representative Sheelah Lamb.