Chesters hails champions

Shropshire & Herefordshire's elite amateur golfers finally have that champion feeling – after 41 years of trying.

The two counties finally made a major breakthrough by winning the Midlands League, which began in 1967, for the first time in their history.

A 7.5-7.5 draw with Nottinghamshire in a hugely dramatic encounter at Shifnal yesterday gave S & H the draw they required to finish top of the pile.

The celebrations continued well into the night and playing captain Nigel Chesters couldn't contain his delight. "It didn't get much better than that," said the Hawkstone Park stalwart.

"Team golf is a bit special and their work ethic and their golfing attitude has been faultless.

"We have had such team spirit, enthusiasm and drive and we have pulled the results out of the frying pan when things haven't been going our way.

"We have had chances to win the Midland League in the past and not been able to take them.

"The lads had belief but we have had a habit of not quite fulfiling our potential.

"I've been playing golf for 35 years and county golf for over 30 years but it doesn't get any better than this. It's very emotional."

The dream appeared to be slipping away from S & H as Nottinghamshire, chasing the victory which would have given them the title, won the foursomes 3-2 and then claimed the top two of 10 afternoon singles matches.

But victories for Oliver Farr, Matthew Harrison, Jamie Brittain and captain Chesters – as well as halves for Kevin Baker and Ashley Chesters – took the hosts to the brink of victory.

And the League was sealed when Wrekin's Andy Stephenson rolled in a 22-foot putt on the final green in the penultimate match on the course to guarantee the half his team required in his match with Steve Martin.

"It's lovely to hole the winning putt but it's been a huge team effort and it's great for the lads," said 37-year-old Stephenson, who had double reason to celebrate as his beloved Liverpool beat Chelsea.

"I've played in English County finals as a junior and English county champions event which is nice.

"But this is far, far better because it's the first time the county has ever achieved any Midlands or national recognition which is fantastic."

By JAMES GARRISON