Rachel stars for England in Euro finals

LOCAL golfer Rachel Connor played a starring role for England as they were beaten finalists in the European Girls Team Championship at Murcar, Scotland.

The 18-year-old, from Royton, was England’s leading points scorer in the event which saw them defeat Denmark and Holland in the knockout phase before losing to Sweden in the final.

Rachel had earlier won the 36-hole strokeplay event - the scores from that determining the seedings for the knockout phase.

She shot a one-over 73, which included an eagle, on the opening day and level-par 72 in the second round.

England defeated Denmark 4-1 in the quarter-finals with Rachel winning her singles but losing in the foursomes with Knowle’s Heather Barwood.

That set up a semi-final against Holland which England 4-1 with Rachel recording a dramatic last-hole victory in her singles match against Caroline Karsten.

Four down after 10 holes, Rachel was back on level terms after 14 holes. She lost the 16th to fall behind again only to win the last two to snatch a one-hole victory.

England finally found their match losing 4.5-0.5 to Sweden in the final, though Rachel had the consolation of scoring her team’s only half point in her singles match.

Rachel then dashed from Aberdeen to London to play the pre-qualifier for the Ricoh Women’s British Open at The Berkshire.

And without the benefit of a practice round Rachel, whose brother Scott acted as caddy, shot a one-under-par 71 to finish joint second and earn a place in the final qualifier.

RETURN

Competition scratch score for the day was 76, an indication as to the severity of the course.

Rachel will return to The Berkshire for the final qualifier on July 28. .

And if she is one of the leading finishers that day she will compete in the Open itself at Sunningdale from July 31/August 3.

Rachel is this week having a rest - having played 11 rounds of golf in a 10-day period - before she prepares for the English Ladies Strokeplay and a quick return to The Berkshire which hosts that event.