England regained the Senior Women’s & Men’s Home Internationals title at Royal St David’s Golf Club in Wales – with Consett & District’s John Kennedy playing his part and earning 3.5 points.
The England team beat Scotland 11.5-6.5 on day one before seeing off Wales 12-6 on Wednesday, and sealing victory with a 10.5-7.5 win over Ireland on the final day.
Both the senior men and senior women won their respective events too, making it a clean sweep for England.
Elaine Ratcliffe was the star for England, winning five points from five matches played, while Kerry Smith and Tracey Williamson won all three of their foursomes matches, with Kerry picking up five points from a possible six overall.
Julia Brook also won all three foursomes matches she played in, while Sally Shayler went unbeaten, picking up three points from a possible four.
Matthew Stanford won four points from a possible five, with Martin Young picking up four from six as both players won all three of their singles matches.
Meanwhile, John won two of his three singles matches and picked up 1.5 points in his two foursomes appearances.
“Playing for your country for the first time is absolutely brilliant, but winning for the first time is another level,” said John, who made his debut for the national team in 2025. “Winning with the team was a proud moment, particularly after letting it slip on the final day last year. This year was pretty much the exact opposite as we managed to overcome Ireland on the last day having looked down and out after losing 3-0 in the foursomes.
“The best bit is winning as a team; nothing beats that feeling. Personally, winning my singles match against Paul Moultrie from Scotland with a birdie two on the last was great, and winning 4&3 against Alan Condren from Ireland, having lost the first two holes, was fantastic.
“Being part of a winning team and celebrating together has given me even more energy to do it again next season,” added John. “I’d love to keep going – playing for England is so much bigger than anything you can do individually.”
England Golf senior women’s captain Janet Melville said: “It was like a helter skelter on the course on the final day. The women won all three morning foursomes and got two early afternoon points to seal victory in the women’s event – with Sally Shayler adding a vital half-point as she won the last two holes in her match. The men lost all their morning foursomes so needed to win five matches out of six to win their match, and it was an amazing comeback in the afternoon singles to seal victory. There was fantastic team spirit and fabulous golf – it was a wonderful team effort.”
