THE curtain has come down on the English Schools’ Golf Association’s season, which has been hailed a “roaring success” after two 14-year-olds were crowned as U19 national champions.
Dorset’s Louise Burke and Yorkshire’s Josh Berry captained their country in the international matches against Scotland and Wales after their victory in the 42nd English Schools Championship at Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest, in July.
And after victory over the Welsh, it took a late fightback from the hosts north of the border to peg England back to a draw against Scotland in the boys’ matches, while the girls beat the Auld Enemy 51/2-31/2.
The two EGSA interational games always brings an edge to proceedings with national pride at stake.
The match against Wales was played at Luffenham Heath GC, in August, and saw England win 111/2-61/2.
After travelling north to face Scotland on the links at Irvine GC, the match proved to be a real nail-biter.
England’s form was excellent and it looked as if they were well on their way to victory, before the Scots fought back to win the final three points available and secure a 9-9 draw.
Steve Akrill, secretary of the ESGA, said: “Scotland had five players who were in their national set-up for the Home Internationals.
“England’s team spirit for that match really shone through with the girls finishing their games and heading straight back out onto the course to lend their support to the boys.
“When the girls faced Wales they were definitely underdogs.
“Our average handicap was three compared to Wales’ one, but the girls performed superbly with three wins in the singles helping the combined team to get over the line.
“It’s been a really positive year with lots of good golf being played and the enthusiasm of the youngsters shining through.”
•To see the full scores from Irvine GC, click here.
English School Champion Berry also represented the full England team in the U16 Home Internationals in September.
Doncaster’s Campsmount Academy pupil has also been named in the England Golf Boys’ squad for the 2020 season.
The Under 16s England Schools Championship was staged at West Yorkshire’s Cleckheaton and District GC, with Rachel Gourley and Finn Nelson claiming the honours from a field of 65 players.
Rachel earned a call-up to the England Golf set-up. She will be part of the girls’ team – along with Louise Burke – for a challenge match against Ireland at Hunstanton GC, on October 12-13.
Three venues for next year’s events have already been decided with the national championship taking place at Gog Magog GC, in Cambridgeshire, the U16 event going to Northamptonshire County GC and the away game against Wales set for the Rolls of Monmouth GC.
“It’s been a great season for both the boys and the girls and the events at regional and national level have shown we have a lot of strength in depth,” Akrill added.
“In particular we had a lot of younger players emerging and more than holding their own against older players in their age bracket. That’s always great to see.
“The events at regional and national level have shown we have a lot of strength in depth,” admitted Akrill.
“In particular we had a lot of younger players emerging and more than holding their own against older players in their age bracket. That’s always great to see.”
•The English Schools’ team event was staged at the National Golf Centre HQ, at Woodhall Spa, in Lincolnshire. England Golf is a committed supporter of the ESGA.
Hartlepool’s Dyke House Academy trio of Jack Burton, Louis Westmoreland and William Skipp – who are coached by European Tour winner Graeme Storm won by three points in the Stableford competition beating 33 teams from 25 other counties.
ENGLAND v Scotland
Louise Burke (capt) – Lytchett Minster, Dorset
Rachel Gourley – Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland
Estelle Ingram – Gordon’s School, Surrey
Zara Naughton – Ponteland Middle, Northumberland
Amelia Wan – Tuxford Academy, Nottinghamshire
Ellen Yates – Woking High, Surrey
Josh Berry – Campsmount Doncaster, Yorkshire
Nathan Ali – Prince Henry’s Grammar, Yorkshire
Josh Ashton – Tupton High, Derbyshire
Oliver Caton – Honley High, Yorkshire
Taylor Crisp – Suffolk New, Suffolk
Harry Crockett – Oxted, Surrey
Duran Gun – Thornhill, High Durham
Daniel Heaslip – Ripley Mill Hill, Derbyshire
Ben Loveard – Cardinal Newan, Bedfordshire
Jack Maxey – Holderness Academy, Yorkshire
Craig Passmore – SGS College, Avon
Sam Potter – Trent College, Derbyshire
ENGLAND v Wales
Ellie Farwell (capt) – St Clement Danes, Hertfordshire
Rachel Gourley – Cramlington Learning Village, Northumberland
Sarah Mardani – Gordon’s School, Surrey
Abigail Taylor – Prince Henry’s Grammar, Yorkshire
Josh Berry (capt) – Campsmount, Yorkshire
Jake Ball – Queen Elizabeth’s GS, Lincolnshire
George Fricker – Farlingaye, Suffolk
Alex Heppell – Haydon Bridge High, Northumberland
Finn Nelson – Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Ben Partridge – St Andrew’s RC, Surrey
Reis Suart – Monk’s Walk, Hertfordshire
Jack Whaley Ridgewood Yorkshire
