Golf: Midlothian book Baberton spot with East title triumph

MIDLOTHIAN crushed Stirling & Clackmannan in their closing match to win the East Women's Inter-County golf championship, booking their place in the Scottish Finals at Baberton later in the year.

Following earlier victories over East Lothian and Fife, Mid brought the curtain down on their campaign at Falkirk Carmuirs by beating the host county 8½-½ – the biggest win of the week.

For the third day running, young guns Jane Turner and Rachael Watton were sent out first in the morning foursomes and, once again, they delivered the goods, beating Vicki Stevenson and Leslie Gibb by 2 and 1.

In fairness to Stirling & Clackmannan, all three of the foursomes were tight affairs but, in the end, the other two also fell to Mid.

Turner, Watton, Claire Hargan, Karen Marshall and Claire MacDonald all won their singles, with Wendy Nicholson being the odd one out as she was held by Stevenson.

"We are delighted to win it again and, hopefully, the same players will all be available for the Scottish Finals," said Mid spokeswoman Tracy Laughland.

Fife beat East 5½-3½ in the other match on the final day to clinch second spot.

Northern Counties, Renfrewshire and Galloway will be Mid's opponents at Baberton from September 18-20.