Essex won the English Men's County Championship for only the second time, and the first time since 2009, after a thrilling final day victory over Gloucestershire at Whittington Heath Golf Club in Staffordshire.
After Essex won four games on Sunday morning, Lincolnshire were looking to win their first – and only – title since 1974, but they needed to beat Cumbria and hopefully Gloucestershire could do them a favour. There was still hope for Cumbria and Gloucestershire, who could win the event themselves if results went their way.
Lincolnshire went about their business with a comfortable 6-3 win over Cumbria, which saw four of the six games go to the wire, meaning all eyes were on Essex who needed a 5-4 aggregate win against Gloucestershire.
With three games remaining, Will Horne battled back from 3-down to win 2&1 to seal the Essex title, and it proved crucial as the last couple of games went Gloucestershire's way. It meant that Lincolnshire finished second, while Cumbria beat Gloucestershire into third place.
Essex captain Paul Prebble said: “I'm incredibly proud. It's a good team we had and we came here with high hopes. It means a hell of a lot to win because to reach this level of Essex golf is such a huge achievement and it's such a rarity that it becomes even more special.
“Every game was ridiculously close and I have no claws or nerves! It was clearly our time.”
Essex player Zach Chegwidden, who was playing his last event before turning professional, added: “Playing for Essex for the last time and winning the Men's County Finals is unbelievable. It was really special to finish my rookie career alongside some really good friends from my club and home county.
“We're Essex boys, so there will be proper celebrations – though not tonight, as it's a school night!”
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