Successful climax to an excellent year for junior girls’ golf in Norfolk

A fine year for junior girls' golf in Norfolk reached its conclusion with the Autumn Shield Stableford competition held at Richmond Park.

Conditions were difficult, but the girls took all in their stride and came up with some high quality performances. The Shield was won by Megan Mann from Eaton with a score of 45 points with Jasmine Campbell from Royal Norwich coming in as runner-up with another notable score of 40 points.

In addition to the competition, the victories and achievements throughout the year were recognised and awards presented. Amber Ratcliffe, junior captain in 2012, achieved great success with her performances in national events, earning her place in the England junior and full squads during the year, as well as retaining her titles as Norfolk Ladies champion and Norfolk junior champion.

Amber was awarded the Junior Order of Merit for 2012 with a total of 1343 points while Amelia Williamson from Royal Cromer was runner-up with 893 points

Amy Taylor from Bawburgh was the winner of the Norfolk Order of Merit for competitions played in the county. Amy, along with Amelia and Chloe Rowswell (Eaton), have been selected for England 'Birdie' squad training in 2013, with Chloe also winning the title of Abraham regional champion.

Carol Delf, junior organiser, said 'I am delighted and tremendously proud of all the girls' achievements this year. We have a young squad of players who are beginning to develop their skills, and rising to the challenges that are set for them. Our grass roots squad has worked hard this year too, and some of the girls have now obtained their full handicap during the year – a good sign for the future. I would also like to thank all those adults in the background who give their time and efforts into supporting the youngsters – success would not be possible without them'.

County President Nickie Clarke presented the awards and prizes, and congratulated Carol on her work. Amber presented Juliet Fenton (K Lynn) with her badge of office as junior captain for 2013.

Autumn Shield: 1 Megan Mann (Eaton) 45 pts, 2 Jasmine Campbell (Royal Norwich) 40pts, 3 Juliet Fenton (Kings Lynn) 37 pts ocb, 4 Abigail O'Riordan (Thetford) 37pts. 9 Hole Greensomes: 1 Charlotte Chisholm & Heather Clements (Dereham) 22 pts ocb, 2 Rebekka Vansittart & Kevin Bloomfield (Richmond Park) 22 pts, 3 Imogen Leeder & Jill Trudgill (Dereham) 21 pts, 4 Hannah Whinnet & Sam Martin (Royal Norwich) 20 pts.

Brancaster Shield (Junior Order of Merit): 1 Amber Ratcliffe (Royal Cromer) 1343 pts, 2 Amelia Williamson (Royal Cromer) 893 pts. Norfolk Shield (Junior Order of Merit –Norfolk): 1 Amy Taylor (Bawburgh) 411 pts, 2 Jasmine Campbell (Royal Norwich) 375 pts.