The event was well received by players and officials alike and County President John Duncombe commented on the strength of Warwickshire golf and the expectations that the county has for its best players.

The younger side had a stronger side on paper and inevitably youth triumphed over experience in a 10.5 4.5 final result. I would like to thank Pete Clarke for captaining the under 25's and to John Duncombe, John Powell and Jim Dean for their support on the day.

Pete and I have had lots of opportunities to look at all our best players over the last few weeks and immediately after the amateur on Thursday we will meet to pick our sides for the first match on the 7th June.

On behalf of Pete and myself I would like to thank all the players who have supported all the pre-season fixtures and events. Without your support we would not have a county team and from what I have seen we are in good shape to make an assault on the Midland League this season.

Yes, we might have lost some players from last year but we are also gaining some new talent- Jamie Carney and Tom Ibbertson will both add to the squad when their boys commitments allow, Paul Randle returns from the pro ranks and Richard Oddy joins us from the Yorkshire team.

If the attitudes and commitment shown by the players pre-season continues into the season itself I'm sure we will be in strong shape for the coming matches.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the best of luck for Thursday - rest assured Olton will be in fine shape and whoever emerges victorious will certainly have earned the right to be the county champion!