England’s hopes of a bronze medal were dashed when they lost 6-1 to Spain on the final day of the European ladies’ team championship at Stenungsund, Sweden.
“We’re empty-handed and we’re gutted,” said team captain Sally Watkins after the play-off for third place. “The team really deserved something out of the whole tournament.
“They played so well today and to stand there in fourth place at the closing ceremony was just so sad.”
England suffered a major setback when they lost both morning foursomes, despite playing excellent golf. “The scoring was fantastic in both matches,” said Sally. “There was something like 11 birdies in each match. It was phenomenal golf.”
But the Spanish players just had the upper hand, winning one match on the 17th and the other on the 19th.
In the singles, the Spaniards again pushed ahead and when the top two matches went their way the bronze medal was theirs.
In the final, Sweden beat the Netherlands 5-2 to win the gold medal.
Results.
Foursomes
Liz Bennett (Brokenhurst Manor) & Naomi Edwards (Ganton) lost to Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz 2/1.
Rachel Jennings (Izaak Walton) & Jodi Ewart (Catterick) lost to Belén Mozo and Maria Hernandez on 19th.
Singles
Florentyna Parker (Royal Birkdale) lost to Azahara Munoz 4/2.
Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) lost to Carlota Ciganda 4/2.
Naomi Edwards halved with Belén Mozo
Liz Bennett halved with Adriana Zwanck
Jodi Ewart lost to Maria Hernandez 2/1
