Ecstasy and agony at Pick n Pay SA Womens IPT

A captain’s job is tough on most days, but Wednesday was an especially tough one for Gauteng North captain Kim Williams, captain of both the A and B teams at this year’s Pick n Pay SA Women’s Inter-Provincial.

Gunning for their seventh successive title in the prestigious team competition, William had to put the emotion aside as the two teams went head-to-head in the first round at Port Elizabeth Golf Club.

Gauteng A came up trumps in the foursomes and took a 3-1 lead into the afternoon singles.

The side nearly scored a clean sweep again, but Helena Buitendag ended their winning run when she defeated Carrie Park 3-1.

Williams said the 8-1 result was a great way to get their title defence underway, although it was a tough day for all 16 players.

“It was pretty tough playing against our team mates and friends, but we knew the risk coming here and we are all committed to the bigger picture – for Gauteng North to win their seventh title.

“All our players rallied well, but we have to make mention of Marne Clack, who a last minute replacement for Emma-Jo du Bruyn and was really impressive on debut, trouncing Liedeke de Klerk 8&7.

“We have points on the board and we just have to keep the momentum going now.”

Matters were decidedly tighter in the battle between the Western Province A and Gauteng A.

Although Province had the upper hand after the foursomes, Gauteng North A chipped away at their 3-1 lead with four wins. Province’s Yvette du Plessis and Lauren Bekker from Gauteng went toe to toe for 18 holes before halving their game, leaving the with 4.5 points apiece.

In the B-Section, KwaZulu-Natal beat North West 6-1 and Ekurhuleni defeated Boland 6.5 – 2.5.

In the battle for promotion in the B Division, hosts Eastern Province failed to take advantage at their home course and went down 4-2 to Border, while Gauteng B and Southern Cape finished level at 3-all.

Free State and Northern Cape thumped Limpopo 5-1 in the B-Section, while Mpumalanga defeated Western Province B 4-2.

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