Woodbridge won an exciting Cranworth Salver final against Newton Green by five matches to four at Diss. It was wet for the foursomes but fine in the afternoon.

Newton won the morning foursomes 2-1, but Woodbridge hit back strongly in the singles. Woodbridge suffered a blow when they had to concede one of the three morning foursomes. Susie Whymark took a tumble on the eighth and fractured her hand. She was taken to hospital.

At the time the Newton pair of Sue Cooper and Adrienne Hughes were three up

The competition now allows clubs to field six from a squad of eight to take account of such an eventuality.

In the other foursomes, Pam McBride and Sheila Burgess won one up against Janet Sparks and Vivien Lister. Liz Piercy and Anne Trueman were defeated 2 and 1 by Newton’s Rosie Jackson and Gwyneth Ferreira who were giving four shots.

Despite losing the opening singles match, the Woodbridge middle order performed strongly. With the match level at four all McBride needed a half from one of the last two holes against Tibby Mimpriss to ensure a Woodbridge win. This she achieved with a win on the 17th as the Newton player conceded before reaching the green.

The trophy was presented to McBride by Suffolk Ladies’ president Hermione Scrope.

Scores (Woodbridge names first):

Foursomes: Pam McBride and Sheila Burgess won one up against Janet Sparks and Viviene Lister.

Jill Scott Nichols and Susie Whymark conceded to Sue Cooper and Adrienne Hughes.

Liz Piercy and Anne Truman lost 2 and 1 to Rosie Jackson and Gwyneth Ferreira.

Singles: Burgess lost to Cooper 3 and 2, Scott-Nichols beat Jackson 4 and 2, Annette Llewellyn beat Sparks 3 and 1, Kate Symonds beat Carol Durston 3 and 1, McBride beat Mimpriss 3 and 1, Piercy lost to Ferreira 5 and 3.

On their way to the final Newton Green beat Southwold, Seckford, Bury St Edmunds and Gorleston.

Woodbridge had a bye in the first round and then beat Flempton, Stowmarket and Fynn Valley.

This popular inter-club event for ladies with handicaps between 21 and 30 started in 1936. It is currently the only inter-club event in Suffolk to use neutral venues for all rounds.

Woodbridge have now won 13 times. Ipswich have nine wins. Aldeburgh and Royal Worlington have seven with Bury St Edmunds on six.

Five wins: Gorleston and Stowmarket. Four: Felixstowe Ferry and Stoke by Nayland. Two: Flempton, Thorpeness, Fynn Valley, Newton Green and Halesworth. Waldringfield have won the Salver once.