Cornwall Golf Union
Ashenden Part of England Home Internationals Winning Team
England are the Senior Home Internationals Overall Champion for a second year running after a thrilling final day at Castlerock Golf Club. And Cornish player Ian Ashenden (China Fleet) was a member of the winning team, as he had been just a fortnight earlier in the European Seniors in Bulgaria.
Heading into their third and final match against Ireland, all three titles - Overall, Men's and Women's - were up for grabs after both sides posted victories over Scotland and Wales.
England gained the momentum in foursomes - winning the combined 4-2 - after the Men swept their Irish counterparts 3-0, featuring an impressive 5&3 win for Stephen Creed and Danny Holmes.
But there would be drama and tension late into the afternoon as Ireland pushed for singles success.
After splitting the six women's singles, the Irish secured the Women's title on home soil, but with titles still in the balance our Men needed two wins to scoop their title and 2.5 points to claim the Overall.
First two out Steve Sansome and Stuart Brown did their bit to get the two points early, but the captains had to wait a little longer to lift the Overall prize, with Danny Holmes clinching the double in near darkness on the 17th green.
"The last game of the morning foursomes was a real turning point as we were one down with two play, but we won it on the last and that made a big difference," said England Senior Men's Captain Andrew Atkinson.
"We went from 2-1 to 3-0 and it gave us a lot of momentum. I front loaded the side a little a bit, with the top two winning that gave us a big advantage, although the remaining half point was a lot more difficult than I expected!
"It was a lot closer than we thought. I spoke to Stephen Burnett an hour before it actually finished and we were looking like we were coasting, but it didn't finish like that. It was a little nervy, but Danny Holmes closed it out with a five footer on 17."
England Seniors Women's Captain Angela Jones, added: "It was a great experience and we had a really good week. One thing to note was how well we combined as a team now we're in our third year together as one.
"The draw was helpful, but it meant we had a big match against the hosts Ireland for the trophy on the final day. It was a fabulous occasion and I'm really proud of the team."
As play went deep into the early evening, it meant celebrations therefore carried into the early hours.
"I got to bed about quarter past 1 but there were plenty still up," joked Atkinson.
Jones added: "The celebrations were good although rather late as we only managed to have dinner at 9pm. I won't say we had a big party but it was good to celebrate."
The one thing the pair agree on is the strength of the competition and their excitement for 2025. The tournament returns to English shores, taking place at Ferndown in Dorset.
"We knew Ireland were going to be tough on home soil as they're a good side, but we went with a different team to the one we took to the Europeans with four of our main lads unavailable," Atkinson concluded.
"My expectations are always high as the team and depth I've got is amazing. I'm so lucky to captain an England side with such rich resources.
"The hardest match we encountered was against Wales first up, which we shouldn't have won. We managed to just cross the line and they pushed Ireland all the way too. There's no easy matches in this competition and it's a very even contest.
"We had a tremendous team spirit which we've always tried to encourage. The Women's team as well as the Men's is strong too so we were in good spirits."
Jones, finished: "Andrew and I have worked towards that and the players have embraced it. It was fantastic to win the overall trophy and we'll be hoping to do so again next year."
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