Day - versus Wales
Scotland knew that only victory against Wales and a defeat of ireland by England would be enough to lift the HI trophy. They set about with great gusto in the morning foursomes which was delayed due to fog, and they certainly made their intentions known when sped into a good lead which they held to the end and recorded a 4.5. to 0.5 scoreline in the foursomes. With Ireland behind to England things were looking rosy with England leading 4-1 from the foursomes, it was maybe just possible that Scotland could do this.
The Lothians players having contributed 2.5 pts in the morning were all on duty in the afternoon.
Things weren't going to well early on in the singles matches with the Welsh team being 3.5 to 2.5 up in the first six matches, but the Scots tail end came home with four victories for Scotland to win by 11-4. However, there was unfortunate drama to come in the other match as Ireland had rallied to turn their game around against England, and needed two wins from the last two matches to get a 7.5-7.5 draw, it actually came down to the last putt on the last green for Ireland to clinch it. They duly did this and pipped Scotland by half a point in the overall table to take the Raymond Trophy which they last won in 2017.
Congratulations to Ireland but we also congratulate the Scottish players who can return home with great dignity and hold their heads high. They have done themselves proud and had it not been for one or two bits and pieces might have been returning home with the trophy.
Day 2 - versus England
Well it was a contrasting day for the Scots as they went about clawing themselves back into contention. The morning foursomes seen two Lothians players take to the course with Andrew Ni partnering George Burns however, despite some excellent golf the pair lost on the 18th 1 down. Angus Carrick paired up with Team Captain Matt Clark, and it proved a winning performance from the highly talented pair when they won their match 2&1. It was England however, that took the morning spoils leading 3-2 going into the 10 singles matches.
All three Lothians players were on duty, and the Scots really turned the match around in most of the games. Connor Wilson got back to winning ways with a 3&1 victory, his resting from the morning matches paying dividends. Angus Carrick came up against stiff opposition in Steve Gough and sadly lost 2&1, which was a rare defeat in the afternoon for the scottish team. However, no doubt to Englands surprise their British Amateur Champion Laird Shepard went down to Lothians player Andrew Ni in a good match with Andrew winning 2&1 and securing an 8th victory out of the 10 singles matches to give Scotland an emphatic win 10-5
The final days sees us pit our wits against Wales with England licking their wounds from the Day 2 action taking on a good Irish Squad. So it's very much all to play for, and with a bit of luck Scotland may still take the spoils of a great few days of golf.
Day 1 - versus Ireland
It was a challenging start for the Scottish team taking on their Irish counterparts and unfortunately, the Lothians pairing in the morning of Angus Carrick and Connor Wilson came up against an Irish pairing who were quick out the traps. The Irish pair were 6 under through the turn and the score reflected the same, the scots battled bravely but ran out of steam at the 13th.
The other Lothians player Andrew Ni, enjoyed a better morning than his Lothian friends and enjoyed a nice victory partnering George Burns (Williamswood) when they ran out 2&1 winners. However, the morning foursomes were lost overall 3 to 2. Heading into the afternoon singles matches, all three Lothians players were on duty and Angus Carrick showed better form but was pipped at the post by his Irish opponent and lost 1 down.
Connor Wilson started well against his opponent and was one up through 5 holes, however, a run of 5 birdies in nine holes seen him unable to keep up and he was beaten on the 14th. Andrew Ni once again proved to be finding good form and with two birdies and two pars found himself 4up through 4 holes. He never gave up and was soon to see the end of the game at the 13th for a 7&6 win. It is fair to say the Irish had a grip on the match the whole way through and it was no surprise that they ran out winners 8.5 to the scots 6.5.
It's the auld enemy next and some new pairing are on show in the Foursomes with Connor taking a rest to find some of his form,
Selection
With the Lothians in its Centenary year, the icing on the cake has been provided by the selection of three players who will represent Scotland at this week's Home International series in Surrey.
Angus Carrick (Cragielaw), Andrew Ni (Murrayfield) and Connor Wilson (Castle Park) all make their debut in this home nation event and their consistent play has seen them correctly selected for the strong 11 man team.
Both Angus and Connor represented the Lothians at the successful Scottish Area Team Championships for the Lothians with Andrew making the trip from across the pond to be able to take his place in the forthcoming matches.
Scotland have not won this event since 2012 when they last won at Glasgow Gailes, so its now time for a change in pattern and the team are well represented to do so. They tee off on Wednesday, 15 September against Ireland with the other matches yet to be determined but it all concludes on Friday, 17th September.
The Lothians Golf Association wish our own players well and also send their best wishes to Captain Matt Clark and the team for a successful event.