Yorkshire win English counties’ golf crown in nail biter

Yorkshire beat Gloucestershire 5-4 to win the English Women’s County Championship in a nail-biting finale which was only decided by the last putt on the last green.

Nicola Slater rolled her ball from behind the green to within six inches of the cup to confirm her 1up win and Yorkshire’s victory - and the celebrations began as her team-mates bowled her over.

Olivia Winning cradled the trophy and remarked: “This is the only one I’ve ever wanted, I’d give up all my other wins for this.” That’s some statement from an international who has twice won the Scottish open title and helped England to European gold.  

This was the second year in a row that the two teams had met in the title decider. Last season Gloucestershire came out on top, claiming their first win in the championship. This time it was Yorkshire’s year and their 13th victory.

Yorkshire captain Fran Dickson paid tribute to her players: “I just think they are amazing young people with great talent.”

Gloucestershire’s Andra Knight had similar words for her players. “It was a fabulous match, played in a great spirit. I am so proud of them all, they were brilliant.”