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Hampshire's first team. Back row (from left): Jonathan Watt, Martin Young, Mark Thistleton. Front: Matt Blackey (coach), Gavin O'Neill, Andy Bow (county captain), Sam Hutsby, Darren Wright and Keith Maplesden (county president).

HAMPSHIRE have reached the English County Finals after beating Kent.

They won a nailbiting contest at Sheringham Golf Club in Saturday's south east group qualifier.

Their two-shot victory sends them into the finals for the second year in a row.

After the morning rounds, Hampshire led on a total score of 420, a level par average for their six players, compared to Kent's 422.

County mid amateur champion Martin Young, of Brokenhurst, shot the low round of 67, ably supported by Darren Wright (Rowlands Castle), who contributed a 68.

County champion Jonathan Watt (Brokenhurst) shot 71, Gavin O'Neill (Royal Jersey) 70, Mark Thistleton (Hayling) 72 and Sam Hutsby (Liphook) 72.

In the afternoon rounds, both sides managed a total of 426, securing a narrow victory for Hampshire.

They will contest September's finals at Notts Golf Club.

Wiltshire and Leicestershire have already booked their places, while Yorkshire, who have won the title the past three years, are also expected to qualify.

Hampshire will now be looking for only their second ever national championship, having last won at Woodhall Spa in 1996.

County secretary Barry Morgan said it would be a difficult task to win the finals, but he believes the team is capable.

"We are as confident as you can ever be," he said.

"The other teams are just as good, especially Yorkshire, who are very strong. But we will have a very good try at it and if they play like they played on Saturday we will have an excellent chance."

More golf in this week's Romsey Advertiser.

4:13pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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