Great Britain and Ireland win Jacques Leglise trophy

The British boys did their country proud as they brought home the Jacques Leglise trophy at Ganton GC, defeating their Continental Europe counterparts.

gb jaques leglise
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Great Britain and Ireland won the Jacques Leglise trophy on Saturday after defeating Continental Europe 14.5 – 9.5. After the first day’s play at Ganton, the match was in the balance with GB leading by just a single point. But after winning the morning foursomes 2.5 – 1.5, GB found another gear and dominated the afternoon singles 5.5-2.5, to complete a famous victory.

GB captain, James Dunne, was particularly pleased having turned down a place in the Irish men’s team, who were playing in the Home Internationals at Hillside. "It feels great, the boys just played so well. They just took one shot at a time and they kept the ball in play," explained Dunne.  

"I was offered a spot in the men’s team this year but I decided that this was more important to me as I’ve never played for GB before. I won’t get any other chances to play this whereas, hopefully, I can play in the full Irish side for many years to come."

The glory moment fell to Max Smith as he holed the winning putt to secure not only a victory in his singles match against Toni Hakula, but also the Jacques Leglise trophy. "It’s brilliant," said Smith. "It’s been a great event which I’ve enjoyed so much. And it’s fantastic to be a part of the team that’s won."

Andreas Pallauf, Continental Europe’s non-playing captain felt his team hadn’t been at their best: "Our players didn’t play up to the standard they know they can achieve. They had the potential to win but GB were always there.

"They played beautifully; the short-game especially was where there was a difference. Unfortunately, on the day, they were better on and around the green than we were," concluded Pallauf.

With all 18 boys competing playing to a very high standard, even in some dreadful conditions at Ganton, everyone is looking forward to an equally competitive Jacques Leglise trophy this time next year in Italy.  

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