GOLF: Styal's teenage star David Horsey holed the winning putt for Cheshire to sink mighty Yorkshire - then sent a 'come-and-get-me' message to the England selectors.
The 17-year-old was drafted into the side on the eve of the Northern Counties League match at Ringway to replace crocked international Daniel Wardrop.
Horsey, who earlier in the week captured the North of England Schools' Championship at Eden, showed nerves of steel to roll in an eight-foot birdie on the last hole to beat James Mason as Cheshire won 10-8.
It was the third time in four years that Cheshire had sent the Tykes packing.
And they did a big favour to neighbours Lancashire, whose one point defeat of Cumbria at Carlisle hoisted them to the top of the table.
But all the talk in the Cheshire camp focused on the emergence of Horsey who, despite taking up the game less than four years ago, is already being tipped to follow Didsbury star Wardrop's footsteps into England reckoning.
"England Boys is my next target," said Horsey, who last September smashed the course record at his club with a seven-under-par 63 - which included an astonishing 11 birdies.
"I'm off scratch at the moment, but aiming for plus one this season."
Horsey, who became hooked on golf when his granddad Derek took him for a round at Reddish Vale in Stockport, can further boost his international hopes when he compete in the English Schools' Final at Nottinghamshire club Izaak Walton later this month.
"It means I'll miss the Cheshire County Championship but I'll get other chances," said Horsey, who hopes to win a scholarship to an American golf college.
Cheshire, who shared the foursomes, gained the upper hand by winning four of the top five singles, despite skipper Ray Hughes being forced to reshuffle his side to drop Horsey down the order.
It was an inspired move as it put the brakes on a Yorkshire fightback led by Richard Hollins, who beat Steve Dixon seven and five.
Giving debutant Horsey the benefit of his long experience was Shrigley Hall's Jim Murphy.
He teamed-up with David for the foursomes, where they secured a two-hole win and Murphy also played his part with a comfortable 3/2 win in his singles match.
A Wednesday Stableford at Styal was won by John Latham with 36 points from Mike Birchall 34.
Styal Seniors played a bogey competition and Mike Broadhurst won with a fine score of +5 from Michael Kane and Mike Eccles, both +3.
Hot scoring in a Sunday medal at Styal with Ken Mayoh scorching to victory with 62 from Sam Jaafari 63 and J Connell 67.
Wilmslow's young Cheshire star Suzanne Cross enjoyed a great competition at Royal Liverpool where the top county stars locked horns in the Carol Comboy Scratch Trophy.
Suzanne posted a 76+78=152 gross for 36 holes, being beaten by two shots by Delamere Forest England Girls star Olivia Briggs. But Suzanne took the Hamer Salver as the runner-up.
To get your individual and club news, results and achievements in this report, contact Geoff Garnett (tel/fax 0161 881 7550 or email
ggggarnett@aol.com
Geoff Garnett
