Midlothian's comeback seals title

MIDLOTHIAN battled back from the brink of defeat to retain the East Women's Inter- County title at the end of a dramatic final day at Dunfermline (Pitfirrane).

After losing the morning foursomes 3-0 in the decider with Fife, it was a big ask to win at least five of the six singles matches but they did it to pull off a remarkable triumph.

"What a day, what a team!" declared Midlothian County captain Mary Richardson. "We can be very proud of the team as they were fantastic this week and today in particular.

"They played with passion and determination and we are all still in a slight daze not quite believing that we have managed to win the East Division title for the third year in a row."

Jane Turner sparked the fightback as she dug deep to eventually get the better of former Scottish champion Fiona Hastie by two holes.

Karen Marshall was always up against it playing an in-form Susan Jackson and eventually lost on the 16th after a great battle.

Rachael Watton and Kate McIntosh were always in the driving seat, wining their games 5 and 4 and 4 and 3 respectively.

Yet it seemed a lost cause for Midlothian when Louise Fraser was two down for most of her game and Gabrielle Macdonald trailed three down.

But, as word came back that Macdonald had got one back, Fraser staged a comeback to be all-square playing 18.

When she won that, all eyes turned to teenager Macdonald, who had just squared her match on 15 only to lose the 16th.

But the former Scottish Junior Masters champion won the 17th and, after asking her captain what the situation was, the 18th as well to clinch the match.

"Thanks to the Fife team for a fantastic game played in great spirit - we are sorry someone had to lose it," added Richardson.