England Seniors were crowned R&A Home Internationals champions after a stunning performance from the women’s team at a wet and windy West Kilbride GC in Scotland.
Following England Men’s European Team Championship win in Czech Republic a couple of weeks prior, they managed to comfortably beat Ireland on the first day but lost their matches to Wales and Scotland.
However, the women were in sensational form as they recovered from their personal European Team Championship disappointment by fighting out a tie with Ireland on day one before defeating Wales and then thumping Scotland on the final day to secure the title for England.
All six singles matches were won on the final day as the women delivered a top-drawer performance to secure a 7.5-1.5 win over the Scots on Thursday.
Angela Jones, England Seniors Captain for the tournament, said: “We’re extremely pleased. It was a special day. It’s nice to come north and win the trophy, especially on Scottish turf. There was a key moment against Wales because we needed to avoid defeat and in the very last game out, Catherine Rawthore and Tracey Williamson secured the win on the 18th green with a birdie that was crucial, as we ended up drawing 9-9 overall.
“Going into the final day, we knew if we won all our singles matches we might be able to win the Sue Johnson Trophy (women’s title) as well as the overall title. Everyone contributed.”
England Senior Men’s Captain Andrew Atkinson added: “Despite a brave effort from the men, sadly we weren’t able to bring home the men’s title, but the women were absolutely brilliant to help us seal the overall win. Conditions were brutal, with heavy rain on Tuesday, high winds on Wednesday, and it was cold and miserable on Thursday, but the women were wonderful and it is another fantastic win for England.”
The England men’s team comprised Ian Ashenden (Northwood), Stephen Creed (Stratford-on-Avon), Aide Firman (Luffenham Heath), Trevor Foster (Pleasington), Richard Jones (Rotherham), John Kemp (Woburn) and Edward Richardson (Redlibbets).
The women’s team comprised: Jackie Foster (Bishop’s Stortford), Sally Shayler (Bedfordshire), Eileen Greenfield (Pyecombe), Kerry Smith (Waterlooville), Tracey Williamson (Sherringham), Emma Brown (Malton & Norton) and Catherine Hawthorne (Sale).
RESULTS
Day 1
Overall: England 10 – 8 Ireland
Women: England 4.5 – 4.5 Ireland
Men: England 5.5 – 3.5 Ireland
Day 2
Overall: England 9 – 9 Wales
Women: England 5 – 4 Wales
Men: England 4 – 5 Wales
Day 3
Overall: England 11 – 7 Scotland
Women: England 7.5 – 1.5 Scotland
Men: England 3.5 – 5.5 Scotland