Yorkshire golf: Malton & Norton ladies crowned national match play champions

Malton & Norton's victorious ladies team, l-r, Judy Butler, Carol Simpson, Emma Brown, Jean Mackenzie, Wendy Jackson and Jackie Roberts.

As well as getting through nine rounds to take their place in the finals at the El Rompido resort, in Spain, the squad of Emma Brown, Judy Butler, Wendy Jackson, Jean Mackenzie, Jackie Roberts and Carol Simpson had to fight back from a losing position in the final against Gosport & Stokes Bay.

After eight holes, Gosport were up in three matches, down in one and all square in the other.

But a Malton & Norton revival over the next 10 holes enabled the Yorkshire club to triumph 3½ -1½ to become the Mail on Sunday national champions.

The semi-final had provided a much easier passage as Accrington & District Golf Club were defeated 5-0.

The Malton & Norton team were cheered on by around 30 members who made the journey to Spain to support them in the final stages.

It is the first time the club, which was formed 115 years ago, has won the title.

Managing secretary Richard Jagger said: “This really rounds of a wonderful year for the golf club. The ladies have done us proud and have been absolutely magnificent from start to finish.

"I hope this victory inspires more women and girls to take up the game of golf at Malton & Norton Golf Club.”

Team captain Chris Glendinning said: "This is a fantastic achievement for them all, having reached the quarter-finals on three previous occasions - its the icing on the cake.

"Malton and Norton GC are extremely proud of them all and look forward to welcoming them home with a great party."