Gareth Evans and Simon Bell were in the Yorkshire squad which won their seventh English County Championships in ten years at the Prince's course in Sandwich, Kent.

But it was not plain sailing for either of the Bradford pair - especially for Bell, who was struck down by a stomach bug which required the Baildon player to see a doctor and meant he could only play in one singles match, which he lost heavily.

By contrast, Evans played a full part in all three matches in victories over Warwickshire (7-2), Gloucestershire (6-2) and Surrey (6-2).

The Northcliffe player picked up wins on the second day, thrashing Gloucester pair Ed Butler and Nick Scholey 7&6 in the foursomes with Leeds Union partner David Appleyard and defeating Scholey 4&3 in the singles. But he failed to win points in any of his other matches.

However, Evans - who was crowned English county champion the week before - was just pleased that Yorkshire had retained their crown and was largely happy with his own performance.

"It was a brilliant win. Against Warwickshire on the first day, David Appleyard and I struggled in the foursomes. Then in the afternoon singles, I played really well but missed two putts which cost me against Ben Stafford and I lost 3&2.

"I won both my matches on the second day. Then on the Sunday against Surrey we were playing in 30 miles per hour wind, which blew your ball across the greens.

"We came up against two guys (Colin Roope and Simon Crockett) who played fantastic. I struggled round the greens a bit but overall I played good. It rounded the season off well."

James Mason and Stephen Uzzell were the stars for Yorkshire, winning all their six games.

  • Quadruple trophy-winners Baildon were officially presented with their silverware by Bradford Union president Ian Wilkinson this week.
In an unprecedented year for the club, captain Frank Beaumont received the Scratch League title, Division One Championship trophy and the Foursomes Strokeplay and Match Play titles.

"It's probably been the most successful year we've ever had," said the skipper.

"To win the league is the biggest honour but we haven't won the team championship since 1940."

Baildon pipped rivals Northcliffe to the league in their final game. But they romped to the team championship at West Bowling by a whopping 23 shots.

That was largely down to Ian Martin, who shot a second-round 62. Yet Beamont revealed he had to beg him to play the night before as the scratch handicapper was struggling with a bad back.

In addition to the senior success, Tom Usher won the Bradford Junior Match Play title.

"It was nice to see Tom win, which bodes well for the future," added Beaumont.

"He's lined up for the squad for the league next year."

Meanwhile, scratch team player Dan Teece won Baildon's Club Cup on Sunday, beating Kenny Scotland over 36 holes.