England girls beaten in bronze medal play-off

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
England left the European girls’ team championship empty-handed after they lost the bronze medal play-off to Spain. They put up a great fight on the final day at Kokkola, Finland, but were eventually beaten 3½ -1½ and had to settle for fourth place in the championship.
Lancashire’s Kelly Tidy and Suffolk’s Heidi Baek won a marathon struggle in the foursomes to keep England on level terms after the morning session. They birdied the 18th to square the match and finally claimed their point on the fifth extra hole.
But the singles went Spain’s way and they took the honours after their players defeated both Kelly Tidy and Heidi Baek.
England captain Faye Sanderson commented: “The girls played really well today and they are very disappointed. Fourth is probably the worst place to finish. You’re right in there, in contention for a medal – and then at the end you’re not on the podium.”
The championship was won by top seeds Ireland who beat Sweden 4-1.
England results:
Foursomes: Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale) & Heidi Baek (Felixstowe Ferry) bt Ana Fernandez de Mesa & Anna Arrese at 23rd; Alex Peters (Notts Ladies) & Hayley Davis (Ferndown) lost to Rocio Sanches & Camilla Hedberg 2 and 1 (1-1).
Singles: Tidy lost to Sanches 3 and 2, Peters halved with Hedberg, Baek lost to Arrese 3 and 2,
Championship website: www.egagirls2009.fi
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer