In the Nick of time

Nick Poppleton’s sensational Brabazon Trophy win propelled him into the Great Britain and Ireland reckoning for the St Andrews Trophy match against the Continent of Europe.

The 24-year-old Wath golfer joined fellow Yorkies David Hague and Alex Fitzpatrick alongside Darlington’s Andrew Wilson in the squad thanks to his victory in the Brabazon Trophy at Frilford Heath, where Wilson smashed the course record.

Poppleton won in dramatic style when he chipped in on the second playoff hole to beat South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber, who had tied with him on 16 under-par.

The win was Poppleton’s first international title and he said: “It means a lot, this is the pinnacle of strokeplay for England Golf and a lot of fantastic players have won this.”

Durham’s Wilson set a new course record of nine under-par (63) in the third round, which propelled him into contention. He finished in a tie for sixth place while in the final round Bailey Gill (Lindrick) shot 67 to tie for third place.

Wilson said: “I was in the middle of the fairway with 100 yards left on the last four holes but couldn’t get a birdie. I was a bit disappointed not to get to 10 under-par.”