SAFFRON Walden ladies reached the semi-final of the Jean Wilkinson Trophy, and in some style.

A superb 6-1 win in their final match of the group stage of the county trophy leaves Walden on top of Group 4. They are clear by nine points having won five of their six matches, drawing the other one.

The team of Barbara Nicoll, Viv Dondi, Helen Porter, Jaine Fieldhouse, Corinne Parmentier, Sangdao Jackson and Judy Saunders, pictured, were understandably tense approaching the home match against the Links, Newmarket last Thursday.

The windy conditions did not help matters either.

But they kept their nerve, and most matches were won convincingly, with the final result ending 12-2.

“The team played their socks off and well and truly beat Newmarket,” said ladies captain Marjory Smith.

“The wonderful team efforts of all who have played this season, not forgetting our willing reserves, caddies and supporters, means we are now in the semi-finals.

“It has been far from easy getting this far – the opposition has been strong and conditions at times often tricky.”

The team can now enjoy a well-earned summer break before the semi-finals at the beginning of September.