Shropshire & Hereford brought those players in their team for Hearsall. In the singles they were at the top of the order and it was there that the match was decided.

The morning foursomes were shared 2.5 point apiece, with the most notable win by Daniel Baskott and James Smith who threw five birdies at their opponents in a 7&6 win.

Rory Kirwan was playing at No 1 in the singles. Two birdies from Shrops at holes 13 and 15 gave that point to the visitors with Rory missing three birdies chances of his own on the 15th, 16th and 17th, all from under 15ft.

Another point went the 'wrong' way when Chesters beat John Banbury on the last with some great recovery play throughout the eighteen holes. Match 3 was another loss as Boys Captain Chris Doughill 'didn't hole a thing'.

Warwickshire Boys came back with wins from Ben Bernamont, Sam Dodds and James Smith, plus a gritty half from Daniel Baskott who was one down going up the 18th.

When Robert Bardsley lost 2&1, Warwickshire needed two points from the last two matches out on the course. Andrew Geraghty obliged with a 4&3 win but 'new boy' Ben Taylor unfortunately did not feel well in his match losing on the 15th.

'We were hoping to prevail in the singles', said Boys team Manager John Simpson, 'but it wasn't to be.

'They (Shrops & Hereford) have some class players, as do we. Today we just couldn't get the better of them.

'My thanks go out to all our players, and of course their parents for their support.'

The 4 Counties trophy is once again in Warwickshire and whilst Simpson and his management team will lose players such as Kirwan, Banbury, Bernamont and Doughill, the play through this Summer of Dodds, Smith, Bardsley, Geraghty and at the U16s Phil Wastell and others gives us replacements who are showing all the class needed for more trophies in 2007 and beyond.

A full match scorecard is available in County Men | Teams | Juniors | Scores