Captain Chesters is humbled by Lyle call

Sandy Lyle shrugged off Ryder Cup heartache to send his congratulations to Shropshire & Herefordshire's history-makers.

Twice-Major champion Lyle is one of a cluster of high profile figures from S & H - the others include Ian Woosnam, Peter Baker, Scott Drummond and David Park - to try but fail to be a member of the team that won an elusive Midland League title.

That 41-year-wait ended last year when S&H finally fulfiled their championship potential.

And while Hawkstone Park's Lyle - a long-time contender for Ryder Cup captaincy only for Colin Montgomerie to get the nod for 2010 this week - couldn't attend last week's celebration dinner at Patshull Park, the achievements of his home county were clearly in his thoughts.

"I went out for a take-away last week and the family said I had missed a call from a Sandy," said captain Nigel Chesters, who was at Wem School at the same time as Lyle."I only know one Sandy but I was still surprised when I called back and Sandy Lyle was on the end of the phone.

"It was a really nice touch for him to call and he just wanted to pass on his congratulations to the team.

"We were on the phone for 30 minutes talking about everything from the Midland League to the Ryder Cup.

"I actually invited him to the dinner but he was heading out to the States to play on the Champions Tour.

"But for him to take the time to ring like that was very special and it meant a lot."

Chesters once again paid tribute to his title winning squad in front of 90 guests from across the Shropshire & Herefordshire golfing scene, and Roy Case, president of the English Golf Union.

"There are so many people to thank, including the magnificent 17 who played during the season," said the Hawkstone Park stalwart.

"The team spirit was fantastic and they played some brilliant golf.

"We all have special dates we remember and I have got another one now. October 26 was the day we made history."