TASMANIAN ASHLEE BOOKS PLACE IN AUSSIE TEAM FOR ENGLAND

Tasmanian golfer Ashlee Dewhurst, pictured right, booked herself a trip to England in June by winning the Australian women's amateur championship in Melbourne this week.
Hobart-based Ashlee, 22, became only the second Tasmanian to win the national women's title when she beat Minjee Lee from Western Australia at the 38th hole of a marathon final which was scheduled for two rounds.
"I'm still a bit overwhelmed and can't really believe it," said Dewhurst who works as an attendant at a mini-golf centre.
"I didn't feel like I played as well but I hung in there and still putted OK.
"I have dreamed of being the Australian amateur champion and it's a pretty good feeling.
"It has been 30 years since a Tasmanian has won it, so it's pretty good."
Dewhurst three-putted the 36th hole when a par would have won her the title within the regulation distance.
"It was a bit nerve-racking when we were going down the 37th hole and we both birdied that one to keep it going to 38.
"I was lucky enough to have a par and won."
Her parents John and Robyn, of Lauderdale, were on hand to see their daughter become the Australian champion, and could hardly believe their eyes.
"It's super. I can't believe it. We're on top of the world," John said.
John said Ashlee's career could go in several directions.
"She's always wanted to be a teaching pro rather than a tournament professional," John said.
"She might turn pro but I couldn't see it happen for a year or so."
Ashlee is leaning towards life as a coach because she is not so keen on touring around playing tournaments.
"I enjoy teaching people how to play," she said.
"I like teaching beginners, and I've been teaching my mum how to play.
"But I guess I'll see how it goes."
Dewhurst's next tournament is the Tasmanian women's amateur championship - an event she won three years ago - beginning at Launceston Country Club on Sunday.
"Hopefully I can keep the form up and win the state title as well," she said.
An Australian team of five players will be heading for Fairhaven Golf Club, Lancashire in June to contest the Astor Trophy, formerly the Commonwealth Tournnament. It's a team match-play event and will be contested by Australia, Canada, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, and New Zealand.
As the new Aussie champion, Ashlee Dewhurst must be a certainty for a place in the team from Down Under.