Yorkshire’s team maintained its incredible run of success in the Northern Counties Men’s League – topping the table for an 11th season in a row.
In the final match of this year’s campaign, Yorkshire hosted Lancashire at Moortown. Following a 4-2 win in the morning foursomes, the White Rose side – represented by Jake Sowden, Habib Khan, Charlie Daughtrey, Lucas Martin, Max Reynolds, Lewis Harrison, James Trant, Oliver Smith, Will Swarbrick, George Hanson, Dan Norman and Matt Dolling – secured a narrow 6.5-5.5 win in the singles to win the league title.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved this season,” said Yorkshire men’s captain David Appleyard, who lifted the trophy for the fourth time as captain.
“The league was particularly tight and competitive this season. Winning it on the final weekend, having played so many close matches, was fantastic.”
Having gone into the penultimate round of matches tied with Durham at the top of the league table, both teams being undefeated with five match points, Yorkshire came through a close match with victories in both sessions giving them a 10.5-7.5 win.
That victory over Durham followed an opening weekend draw with Cumbria, a one-point victory over Cheshire and a two-point win over Northumberland, with all three matches played away from home.
“We faced a tough start with three games away from home,” added David. “That’s always going to be challenging given how strong every side is, and how important home advantage can be.
“There were so many highlights and tight finishes this season, including in those early matches. Dan Norman’s putt on the 18th green against Cheshire to win his singles game and the match is one I’ll remember. Charlie Daughtrey, Lewis Harrison and Matt Dolling all going down the stretch at Crosland Heath against Durham and winning their singles matches was also huge.
“We always want to see competitive matches which come down to the finish, and this year certainty got the blood pumping,” added David.
Following another successful season, which also included winning the Northern Counties Qualifying Championship (AKA The Big Six) and coming incredibly close to winning the national County Finals, David highlighted the importance of everyone involved with the team this season.
“Every one of the players who represented the team this year did so brilliantly, and I can’t thank them enough for their commitment,” he added. “I can’t ask any more of the players as their captain, their hunger to be involved and win is fantastic.
“Our coaches, Gareth Davies and Steve Robinson, have given us a tremendous amount of support again this season, and I can’t thank them enough for sharing their incredible knowledge and experience with us. Our supporters, who travel with us home and away, are a huge part of Team Yorkshire too, and it was amazing to celebrate the team’s success with them again this year.”
Looking ahead, David and the coaching team are looking to build on the success.
“We have a plan in place to get better as we look to defend the title,” he added. “We’re always looking at players and working together, and we’ll go into next season with a clear focus – defending the league title and the Northern Counties Qualifying trophy.
“It has been a strong year for Yorkshire in team golf, with great success for the boys’ and seniors’ teams as they won their leagues as well. It’s a great time to be involved in Yorkshire golf and we’re excited to see what next season brings.”
In the other men’s Northern Counties matches on the final weekend, Northumberland beat Durham 11-7 at Houghton-le-Spring to finish second in the table as Durham claimed third place in the final standings.
Meanwhile, Cumbria beat Cheshire 11.5-6.5 at Tytherington to finish fourth in the final standings.
For the full results click here.
