Essex have won the English Men’s County Championship for just the second time ever, and the first time since 2009, after a tense final-day win over Gloucestershire at Whittington Heath Golf Club in Staffordshire.
After Essex edged the Sunday morning foursomes, Lincolnshire meanwhile were looking to win their first – and only – title since 1974, but needed to beat Cumbria and hope Gloucestershire could do them a favour. There was still hope for Cumbria and Gloucestershire, who could still win the event themselves if results went their way.
Lincolnshire went about their business with a fine 6-3 win over Cumbria, which saw four of the six games go to the wire, meaning all eyes were on Essex who needed to win 5-4 overall against Gloucestershire.
With three games in the balance, Will Horne fought back from 3-down to win 2&1 which sealed the title for Essex, and it proved to be pivotal as the final couple of matches went Gloucestershire’s way. It meant Lincolnshire finished second, while Cumbria pipped Gloucestershire to third.
Essex Captain Paul Prebble said: “I’m unbelievably proud. It’s a fantastic team that we had and we came here with great hope. It means a hell of a lot to win because reaching this level of golf for Essex is a huge achievement and it’s something that has happened so rarely that it becomes even more special.
“Every single match was just ridiculously close and I’ve got no fingernails or nerves left! It was obviously our time.”
Essex player Zach Chegwidden, who was playing his last amateur event before turning professional, added: “To play for Essex one last time and for us to win the Men’s County Finals is unbelievable. It’s really special to finish my amateur career alongside some really good friends of mine from my home club and home county.
“We’re Essex boys, so there’ll be some proper celebrations – although probably not tonight, as it’s a school night!”
