The Cranworth Salver, for teams-of-six for ladies with handicaps between 21 and 30, is always keenly-fought and well supported. The trophy was presented by Lady Cranworth in 1936 when Woodbridge were the first winners.

The fact that the name of Woodbridge is engraved on the trophy 11 times and that of Newton Green only once counted for nothing.

This year’s final at Diss saw Newton Green, who are enjoying a fabulous season, beat Woodbridge by five matches to one. Three of the singles were left unfinished after Newton Green had passed the winning line.

None of Newton Green’s Cranworth winners five years ago were still in the team, although Di Cunningham led the present side to victory as non-playing captain.

Newton went into lunch leading 2-1 after the foursomes. With six points at stake in the afternoon singles it meant the first to reach five victories overall on the day would take the title.

Early indications were the singles could be close but Newton’s first three players, after some mixed fortunes, got to grips with their opposite numbers and swept up three wins.

Lead player Jill Symonds, who looked like conceding an important opening game to Andrea McNally, struck form with four winning holes on the trot to snatch the match 2 and 1. She was quickly followed down the victory trail as Rebecca Evans and Lizzie Johnson each finished off opponents Pam MacBride and Anne Trueman by 3 and 2 margins.

Suffolk Ladies’ president Pippa Beak presented the trophy to Di Cunningham after a match that was played in a friendly atmosphere.

Newton Green ladies have become a power in Suffolk Ladies golf. Their trio of trophies has included giant killing juniors Ellie Aldous and Alice Barlow winning the prestigious Haskell Trophy, and the club’s ladies scratch team gaining promotion by winning the Weston League Division Two title. The club is planning a special celebration reception to mark a golden 2013 which also includes the men reaching the final of the Stenson Shield.

Cranworth Salver final – At Diss. Newton Green 5 Woodbridge 1

Newton Green names first. Foursomes: Jill Symonds and Leighann Wordley beat Andrea McNally and Anne Truman one up, Rebecca Evans and Sheila Walter beat to Pam MacBride and Sue Whymark 2 and 1, Carolyn Cocksedge and Lizzie Johnson lost to Rita Bird and Janet Capon 3 and 2.

Singles: Symonds beat McNally 2 and 1, Evans beat MacBride 3 and 2, Johnson beat Trueman 3 and 2. The following matches were not completed as Newton Green had already won. Walter led Whymark one up, Wordley led Bird one up, Cocksedge trailed to Capon one down.