SANDIWAY’S Phil Slater played a starring role as Cheshire lifted the English Senior County Championship crown for the third time.
Slater, 57, was named man of the match in their vital clash with Devon, at Trentham GC last Thursday, which they went on to win 5-4 to snatch the trophy from rivals Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Slater maintained an unbeaten record, including an impressive 3&2 victory over much-fancied Phil Vicary in the singles. It’s the third time in four years Cheshire seniors have won this title.
Cheshire captain Roger Fielding was delighted to have regained the title, having last won it in 2006, and was quick to praise the Sandiway star’s efforts.
He said: “I’m overjoyed at having won again. A third win shows we have some very committed golfers who are competent under pressure.
“Four of the team have been in the three winning sides and in Philip Slater we had our man of the match. He won all of his matches as he did when we won at Lincoln in 2006.
The Championship clincher against Devon is to be Fielding’s last as captain after seven years leading his county on England’s fairways.
He added: “It is the perfect way to sign off. It has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life working with so many committed people.”
Slater has enjoyed an extremely successful year having won his first cap for England and played in August’s European Seniors Championship in Ireland.
Cheshire’s winning line-up: Philip Jones (Bromborough); George Payne (Prestbury); Phil Slater (Sandiway); Roy Smethurst (Crewe); Bob Walker (Crewe); Stephen Baker (Woodside); Gordon Broster (Hoylake); Alastair Brown (Mere).
