The Agony and the Ecstasy

The Junior League team has been doing well this year, and I went to watch their final match against Linden Hall, the leaders. We knew a 6-2 win would make us top of the league (we knew because we had been told so by the league secretary).

All four matches were well supported and close. But we became 4-2 up with one match to play, and better handling of the psychology of the 17th tee meant we were the winners. (I say "we": it's interesting how I felt I had done something successful even though all I had done was follow the players.)
We all celebrated and some of us felt a little sorry for Linden Hall.

But then a call came from the league secretary to say that in fact we had needed an 8-0 win, that we were second and Linden Hall had won. Mick Aldred had to break the news to both teams as they were eating.

On the bright side: at least our team knew what winning felt like. And second is actually a great result. But was a cruel way to learn you were second. Sport can be cruel.

The Agony and The Ecstasy: Michaelangelo's story