Norfolk Ladies golfers clinch crown at East's ‘County Week'
Captain Jo Herd's team followed up their victory at Felixstowe 12 months ago by going unbeaten at John O'Gaunt Golf Club in the latest renewal of the six-county tournament.
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The 10-strong squad that teed up in Bedfordshire proved to be the perfect blend of youth and experience.
Nellie Ong added star quality, fresh from her fine form in Great Britain and Ireland's first Vagliano Trophy triumph over Europe in 20 years.
And the Eaton golfer led the way on the opening morning, helping Norfolk Ladies beat their Hertfordshire counterparts 3.5-1.5.
Old rivals Suffolk provided stiffer resistance in the afternoon and Herd's team had to be content with a share of the spoils after a 2.5-2.5 draw.
Norfolk Ladies began day two with a thumping 5-0 win over Cambs and Hunts – and then swept aside Bedfordshire in similar fashion.
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That 4-1 outcome was arguably more impressive, given the host county had in-depth course knowledge and fielded a Welsh international.
It was a victory that set up a final-day winner-takes-all showdown with Essex, who topped the table after four wins on the spin.
Ong ensured Norfolk Ladies made a flying start, courtesy of a thumping 7 and 6 success. Essex wasted little time in hitting back as they took the first of the two foursomes ties staged in the best-of-five format.
But reigning Norfolk Ladies Amateur champion Harriet Allsebrook restored Norfolk's lead to give vice-captain Tiff Mills the chance to clinch the crown.
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Sure enough, the Ryston Park player edged ever closer to victory, piling on the pressure with a trademark deft chip to within four feet on the 16th green.
In the moments that followed, her opponent failed to two-putt and Mills was left centre stage to put the point on the board that sealed the title for Norfolk Ladies.
Gemma du Feu and England senior international Tracey Williamson added gloss to the victory margin by halving the closing foursomes clash.
The 3.5-1.5 win means Norfolk can now turn their attention to the national finals in which they finished third last year.
The 2025 matches will take place on September 19-21 at Selby Golf Club in Yorkshire where Herd's side will face up to five other regional winners.
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Herd said: 'I am super proud of the team. After a wonderful win last year, to return as defending champions brought a little extra pressure.
'But the team rose to the challenge and got the reward for their hard work and excellent golf.
'We have an amazing team spirit within the Norfolk Ladies squad and it's a major factor in our success. We're also very grateful to our sponsors Adrian Flux, who are big backers of women's sport and we are so pleased to reward their support with a prestigious win.
'Now we are setting our sights on England Golf Women's County Finals. We came away with a lot of credit from the event last year and we hope that experience will put us in good stead for a shot at winning it in September.'
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Final standings: Norfolk 9pts, Essex 8, Suffolk 5, Bedfordshire 4, Hertfordshire 4, Cambs and Hunts 0.
Norfolk Ladies: Jo Herd, captain (Royal Norwich), Tiff Mills, vice-captain (Ryston Park), Sharon Allen (Eaton), Harriet Allsebrook (Hunstanton), Gemma du Feu (Thetford), Amelie Marling (Barnham Broom), Nellie Ong (Eaton), Ruby Patterson (Royal Cromer), Becs Shubrook (Royal Norwich), Tracey Williamson (Sheringham).
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