Saturday afternoon arrived and much debate ensued as to whether the seemingly
inevitable victory for Team South could be prevented. Team North paired Grant
and MacLachlan together for the foursomes once again hoping they could recreate
the teamwork which was demonstrated eight months earlier in the rain-soaked surrounds
of Silverknowes. They teed off against McGregor and Donald and immediately found
times hard losing two of the first three holes. Chances then narrowly slipped
by at both the 4th and 5th and Team South seized the opportunity to stretch their
lead rattling off three pars before the turn to take a commanding five hole lead
going into the back nine. Behind them another battle was developing between the
Mutch/Watt partnership against Booth and Gibson. Team South twice took the lead
only to be pegged back but a par at the 7th was enough to afford them a one hole
lead at the turn posting an impressive outward nine of 40 compared to 41 for Team
North.
Pictures from Balnagask, click to enlarge.
Up ahead things were going from bad to worse for Grant and MacLachlan with
the pairing failing to gel and Donald and McGregor proved merciless in knocking
home two further pars after the turn to seal a mighty 8&6 win and confirming
the destination of Sally. News filtered down to the following group but there
were no signs of relaxation from either party with pride at stake. The standard
was extremely high and only a run of three straight pars allowed Team North
to overturn a one hole deficit to lead by a hole going down the 16th. A half
point was secured at the next hole as a double bogey from Gibson and Booth left
Watt and Mutch within sight of a first point outwith the scramble format. Team
North faltered at the 17th though and a par from Booth and Gibson kept the tie
alive. It wasn’t to be enough as an uncharacteristically wayward drive
from Booth allowed Watt to plant a fine three wood on the green. Team South
clearly let their concentration slip as they criss-crossed the green to only
post a five and a 2 hole victory was secured ending Booth’s hoodoo over
Watt, much to the latter’s relief. However, it was only a consolation
as the trophy was won with a day to spare and the hopes of Team North were left
in tatters.
McGregor and Donald 8&6
win over MacLachlan and Grant
Mutch and Watt 2 holes win over
Booth and Gibson
Day 3 Score:
A Saturday night curry was on the cards, and with pride still to play for in the
Sunday Singles, twists and turns were yet to fully develop, especially with how
the match-ups were to be decided. It all unfolded on Day 4...
McGregor and Donald 8&6
win over MacLachlan and Grant 
Mutch and Watt 2 holes win over
Booth and Gibson 
