Sussex Seniors v Essex- Scratch league

The final chapter of the Seniors 2025 season in the Mulligan Larsen trophy was played out against the lovely Essex team at the spectacular venue of Mannings Heath.  The Essex team made the trip through the Dartford tunnel for a Sussex mini break, having a practice round the day before and then tripping the light fantastic in Horsham that evening. 

Mannings Heath was splendid, it had hosted the Clutch Tour a few weeks ago and you can see why, the course did not disappoint, with its white deer roaming the course keeping their eye on the ‘old dears’.  The views of the vineyards, a very impressive wine lounge where the team retired afterwards and one Sussex player even got her very own wine tasting, all added to the day.

The day was an affair of 2’s – birdie 2s on the par 3s for some, 2 hats to impersonate a policeman (see photo) and 2 pairs of shoes on the course just in case feet got damp!!

Leading the team out was  Karen Sykes (Worthing) who was in fine form coming off a week of shooting level par on both Worthing courses for a hefty handicap cut.  It was a repeat of last year's clash and even though being 2 down after 15 and negotiating the oak tree, dug deep to get an honourable half.  Her player, Gill Heysham, even took Karen up to the greens to show her the shot in  - ultimate sportsmanship.

Honours even, next up was Aileen Greenfield (Pyecombe / Piltdown) against a newcomer to the Essex team, Lorna Booth, but no mercy was shown by Aileen who ran out a 5&4 winner.

Paula Carver (Worthing) was up against the Essex Captain, Julie Finnigan and Paula switched on the radar early to go 2 up but the batteries ran out and was back to all square, after a quick recharge (a cup of tea at the halfway hut) the batteries kicked in again and she returned a win, going unbeaten in this year’s campaign.

Clarissa Bushell (West Sussex) was back to fitness and back to her best.  Being fully prepared with her 2 pairs of shoes, she made friends with the very large scoop on the 11th to help out her Essex opponent Tiff Wade, another example of the spirit in which this match was played.  Clarissa was as steady as ever and ran out a 3&2 victor.

Up next was the Seniors skipper, Sara Whittaker (Willingdon), after managing the 2nd Team at Sunridge Park against Kent in the same week, Sara was itching to get out and play.  She turned it on through the back 9 to shoot 1 under par and ran out a 3&2 winner against Sue Broom.

And finally, the Seniors welcomed another newbie to the squad, our GFore model from Crowborough Beacon – Mandy Hilton.  The strength and depth of players available is a testament to Sussex.  Mandy had a tough contest against another newbie for Essex, Paula Wendleken and the match could have gone either way but Essex just edged it with a superb birdie on 15.  Great effort by Mandy though.

So after all that, Sussex ran out winners 4.5 – 1.5 and retained the Mulligan Larsen trophy.  With the target on their backs from the other counties, the team held their nerve and came through some very tough matches.

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The Team Manager, Sara Whittaker said ‘I want to thank every player that turned out for the Seniors Team this year, whether you played one game or all games, your commitment was tremendous and it was a total team effort regardless of your match score.  I and all the players could not be prouder to retain this trophy for Sussex.’

The players would like to thank their Skipper, Sara for all her hard work, dedication and energy.  The team spirit is off the charts under her leadership and the players are grateful especially as she wears so many hats for Sussex – player development, 1st Team, 2nd Team and Seniors.

So the fat lady has sung for the Mulligan Larsen Trophy for 2025 and as the sound of clinking bottles could be heard as the players left Mannings Heath, Sussex are looking forward to going for the hat-trick in 2026 – tune in next year to see how we get on.

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