Northumberland’s Libby Bell and Rachel Gourley represented England for the first time as a mixed U16 squad took on Spain at Woodhall Spa, while Rosie Belsham picked up another international cap as England took on teams from across Europe as part of the German Boys & Girls Open.
Gosforth Park Ladies-based Liiby and Arcot Hall-based Rachel collected their first caps as England were beaten 15-9 – though both took a lot of positives from the experience.
Libby, 14, said: “Playing for England was a really good experience and I’ve taken a lot from it. I felt comfortable while I was there and all the coaches were really supportive throughout the event.
“I’ve made a lot of new friends and I’m really looking forward to having the chance to play for England in the future.
Rachel, 14, added: “I’m really proud to have played my first match for my country. The Spanish players were phenomenal and I learned a lot from them about where I need to improve to get to the next level.
“There’s a lot to take from the match and put into how I prepare in the future too.
“I’d love to have the chance to represent England again in the future.”
Meanwhile, Rosie was part of the team of three which won the girls’ Nations Cup at the German Boys & Girls Open. Rosie shot rounds of 73 and 68 alongside Lily May Humphreys and Charlotte Heath as England beat Germany by one shot. In the individual event, played over three days, Rosie finished in a tie for 12th place after posting a closing round of 72 to finish on seven under-par.
Following the series of matches, England Golf announced the teams that will represent England in the upcoming European teams championships. Rosie and Jess Baker will team up with Cumbria’s Caitlin Whitehead in the girls’ team for the event at Parador de El Saler in Spain. Meanwhile, Northumberland’s Matty Lamb has been named in the men’s team for the event at Ljunghusen in Sweden.
