Perth and Kinross ladies produced the required magic in Monifieth to lift the North Division Jamboree title this week.
A talented team comprising youth and experience successfully tackled challenging gusty conditions to finish top of the leaderboard after three days of golf.
Emily Aird, Katy Alexander, Megan Ashley, Kirsty Brodie, Jillian Milne, Isla Moncrieff, Jen Saxton and Laura Walker all played their part in the triumph over Aberdeenshire, Northern Counties and Angus.
The event had opened up with a keenly-contested 5-4 win against Aberdeenshire before P&K hit top form to defeat Northern Counties 7-2.
That set-up an exciting Monday meet with Angus but, after morning foursomes, the trophy looked to be slipping away.
However, a superb afternoon singles performance earned the required 4½-4½ draw to win the overall title in dramatic circumstances.
“The girls played really well,” smiled team captain Jillian.
“We came up against Aberdeenshire on the first day and the 5-4 victory was very important.
“And then we had a good victory against Northern Counties. Fair play to them because they were trying out a lot of youngsters. That says to me that, in a couple of years time, they will be a very good team.
“On Monday against Angus we got off to the worst start, losing the doubles two-and-a-half to a half.
“The conditions were difficult all weekend for everyone. It was very blustery and club selection was really tough.
“But it was 4-2 in the afternoon and that gave us the draw with Angus to win the event overall.
“Everyone played their part. It is just a great bunch of girls and they really work well as a team. It’s not about individuals.
“There is a sprinkling of ages through the team. We’ve got some youngsters but even they are quite seasoned players. Katy Alexander and Megan Ashley are probably more seasoned than someone like myself who has played county golf for 20-odd years.”
The Monifieth triumph tees-up a place at the Scottish County Finals from August 27-29 at Forres Golf Club.
Perth and Kinross are no strangers to that tournament having competed in it only two years ago.
An exciting summer awaits and Jillian said: “In the past you would have all the preparation leading up to the June event and then, if you didn’t qualify, there was a feeling of: ‘Oh, that’s it then until next year’.
“This year we’re also hosting the North of Scotland at Blairgowrie in July and the month later we have the finals to look forward to. We just need to wait and see who we will be playing in that.”
Reaching the heights of national finals will again prove to be valuable inspiration for the younger girls rising through the ranks who have hopes of representing the county in the future.
“County golf can be a stepping stone,” Jillian told the PA. “We try to encourage the youngsters and give them something to aspire to with playing and representing your local region.
“There are those who just want to play the sport because it’s fun and enjoyable. But for those with a little bit more of a competitive edge, there is something to aim towards.”
