Northern Golfer Champions of Champions Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham teamed up with England’s best youngsters to beat Ireland at Limerick Golf Club.
England U16s were represented by a team of six girls and six boys, which also featured Carus Green’s Caitlin Whitehead, and dominated Saturday’s foursomes and fourball betterball sessions – winning both 5-1 before Ireland rallied to win Sunday’s singles 6.5-5.5 as England captured a decisive 15.5-8.5 victory.
Jess and Rosie combined to claim 3.5 points from a possible six, winning their foursomes matches alongside Daisy Kennedy and Caitlin Whitehead respectively before teaming up to get a half point in their fourball match.
Rosie then claimed a 3&2 win over Emma Flemming as Jess was beaten 2dn by Lucia Masding in Sunday’s singles session.
Rosie said: “It was a little bit different playing away at such a different course but I loved every minute of it.
“I played well in all three matches despite not having my A game – my putting definitely kept me in the matches.”
Jess added: “Being back with the team in Ireland was a fantastic experience on and off the course.
“I was happy with how I performed on a really tough course – there’s not a lot I could do when my opponent had five birdies to finish her round in the singles, despite halving a few of the holes!
“I’ve got some work to do this winter and I’m looking forward to playing some new tournaments next year and hopefully winning some more England caps.”
