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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Foursomes The Key To England's Success In Spain

England completed their 12th victory in 13 internationals with Spain going back to 1985 when they came out on top in the biennial match at La Reserva in Sotogrande.

After going into the second and final day 7-5 ahead, England completed a 13½ - 10½ victory to give new captain Colin Edwards a winning start in charge.

“I am extremely proud to get a win in Spain and captaining my country for the first time was an awesome experience,” he said.

The two morning sessions of foursomes provided the foundation for England’s success. On each occasion they came out on top 3-1, while the first day singles were drawn and Spain edged the final series 4½ - 3½.

England’s top scorer was Matt Haines (photo courtesy of Tom Ward) with a 100% record from his four matches, while Charlie Ford maintained his good form with 3½ point from four while Tommy Fleetwood scored three from four.

The only occasion Spain has won this fixture was four years ago at Puerta de Hierro when they won 15-8. In 2007, England got back to winning ways with a 16-8 win at Royal Ashdown Forest.

Results
Day One
Foursomes (England names first): S Hutsby & D Whitnell lost to J F Sarasti & C Pigem 1 hole; T Fleetwood & M Haines bt P Erice & M Cobo 6&5; C Ford & T Adcock bt S Garcia & F Pintor 2&1; L Goddard & E Pepperell bt A Hortal & P Oriol 1 hole

Singles: Hutsby bt Sarasti 5&4; Whitnell bt Pigem 4&2; Fleetwood lost to B Virto 3&1; Ford bt Cobo 5&3; J Abbott lost to Erice 3&2; Haines bt Garcia 2&1; Adcock lost to Oriol 1 hole; Goddard lost to Hortal 1 hole

England 7 Spain 5

Day Two
Foursomes: Hutsby & Whitnell lost to Sarasti & Pigem 2 holes; Ford & Adcock bt Erice & Virto 4&3; Fleetwood & Haines bt Oriol & Hortal 5&3; Goddard & Pepperell bt Cobo & Garcia 5&4

Singles: Hutsby lost to Pigem 2&1; Whitnell lost to Sarasti 2&1; Pepperell lost to Hortal 2&1; Ford halved with Pintor; Haines bt Virto 1 hole; Abbott bt Garcia 4&3; Fleetwood bt Erice 3&2; Goddard lost to Oriol 1 hole

England 6½ Spain 5½

Overall: England 13½ Spain 10½

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