Simone Sewell, Allison Bell and Danielle Walker joked on Thursday about winning a prestigious team event such as the June Gillivour Salver.

As relative newcomers to competitive golf, the team from The Sands laughed off the prospect.

“We said that would never happen to us, not one of these events,” Allison recalled.

So the trio visited Portarlington on Friday, played well individually, yet still thought the time-honoured silver salver was out of their reach, not even tallying their scores in the team stableford format because “we just didn’t think we had enough”, Simone said.

But sure enough, as they savoured their post-round lunch, their names were called as champions – and their shock was plain for all to see.

“I just can’t believe it – we’ve only been playing properly for a year and a half,” Simone said.

“We’re very shocked. I’m probably not sure why, because we all had nice rounds, but it’s just a huge surprise, really. It’s made a nice day really fantastic.”

Simone anchored the team with 34 points and Allison, who grew up in Portarlington, contributed 26 to the cause.

But as is always the case on reflection, the team was able to pinpoint the moment that made the magic possible – a birdie on the long third hole by Danielle en route to her tally of 28.

“It was my last hole and, as it turned out, they were the points that got us over the line … even though I had no idea at the time,” she beamed.

Their 88 points relegated two Portarlington teams to the lower rungs of the podium with Jen Edmanson, Joy Francis and Shauna Gray runners-up with 86.

But after Portarlington captain Angela Royal explained the remarkable achievements of June Gillivour to the 20 competing teams from around the SWGA, it was almost poetic that Allison and her team had their breakthrough win.

“It was actually June who introduced me to the game back in the day. I remember her showing me what to do one time and opening my eyes to golf … so it’s amazing to win her trophy.”

Local star Jan Cogger was the champion of the A Grade individual section with 34 points, while the day’s best individual score belonged to B Grade champion Karyn Martin, of East Geelong, with 35 points.

Angela paid tribute to all who helped organise and run the day, particularly resident professional Matt Milne for his logistics and sponsorship.

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Danielle Walker, Simone Sewell and Allison Bell proudly show off the June Gillivour Silver Salver as overall champions.

Port's Shauna Gray, Jen Edmanson and Joy Francis celebrate their runners-up result.

Portarlington's Jan Cogger was the A Grade individual champ.

East Geelong's Karyn Martin won the B Grade individual event.