ENGLAND BOYS ADD EUROPEAN TITLE
TO WORLD TITLE

The England Boys' Golf Team supported by Bowring Sport & Leisure Insurance Services in conjunction with Royal & SunAlliance won the European Boys' Team Championship on Saturday 10th July at Uppsala Golf Club, Sweden.

The team included Nick Dougherty (Shaw Hill and Formby GC), Simon Robinson (Seaton Carew GC), Ben Welch (Weymouth GC), Scott Godfrey (St Enodoc GC), David Porter (stoneham GC) and Sandeep Grewal (Hewsall GC) defeated a strong Italian team 5½-1½ in the final to add the European title to the World title which they won in Japan three weeks ago. The England team played some wonderful golf to defeat the Italian team which contained 3 members of the victorious Men's team which won the European Mens Team Championship the previous week at Monticello Golf Club in Italy.

Nick Dougherty and Simon Robinson were in good form against the Italians with Dougherty 2 down at the turn against the Italian number one Andrea Zanini coming home in four under par 32 to win his match by 2 holes and secure victory for England.

England led the qualifying stages by six shots from the host nation Sweden. They then met Switzerland who for the first time in their history had qualified for the first flight at Boys level. England were too strong for the Swiss and ran out 5-2 winners to set up a semi final clash against Finland. This proved to be England's hardest match. With the honours shared at 1-1 following the foursomes, England looked in trouble at the halfway stage of the afternoon singles. David Porter came to the rescue 3 down with six holes to play against Heikki Mantyla in the top match. He squared the match with a birdie four on the 17th and following a half at the 18th in par he secured victory for England at the 20th hole with a fine par 3 via a greenside bunker.

The England team captain was absolutely delighted with the team performance in adding the European title to the World title. He will now be looking to complete a unique travel at Conwy Golf Club in Wales 4-6 August when England Boys defend the Boys International crown they won at St Andrews last year against Scotland, Ireland and Wales.