Yorkshire golf: New grandfather Mason helps White Rose to Senior County Championship whitewash

And as well as winning both his matches, Yorkshire’s Steve Mason had an additional reason to celebrate after learning that his first grandchild had been born during the afternoon singles series.

Yorkshire had laid down a marker in the morning foursomes by winning all three games. However, their top pair of England senior international Stephen East and Peter Ward had to work hard for their point, holding on in a tight finish with a series of pars to finish one up.

By contrast, they both enjoyed comfortable singles victories. East played 13 holes in just a couple over par, despite the afternoon downpour, and won 6&5 to put Yorkshire’s first singles point on the board. Ward, who had three birdies in his first six holes, followed him with a 5&4 victory.

Marshall Newman was a 6&4 winner and Chris Mear needed only one hole more for victory,

New grandfather Mason and Ian Clarke both held their nerve to win their respective matches on the last, the latter with a birdie.

“It was very exciting, very nerve wracking,” said Yorkshire captain John Grimbleby. “You always hope for it (a whitewash), but you don’t think it’s possible. A lot of things have to go for you and they did. But,” he added, “it’s only one win.”

The match between Devon and Berks, Bucks & Oxon was extremely close all day. Devon led 2-1 after the foursomes, but BB&O came out with great determination in the afternoon and took the singles 4-2 for an overall 5-4 win.

On Wednesday Yorkshire play Devon while BB&O face Worcestershire.