England beat Germany 4-3 in a tight tussle to win the bronze medal at the European ladies’ team championship at Castelconturbia in Italy.

“It was breathtakingly exciting,” said team captain Jenny Clink after she watched Melissa Reid (right) coolly slot a six-footer on the 17th to seal the result.

“I’m immensely proud of them all, they have played beautifully,” said Jenny. “They really are a great team with a terrific team spirit between them.”

The morning foursomes were halved, with Melissa and Jodi Ewart wrapping up their match on the 12th, while Naomi Edwards and Kerry Smith were narrowly beaten on the last green.

In the singles Jodi and Rachel Bell scored convincing wins while Kerry Smith was beaten by a barrage of birdies and Florentyna Parker lost on the 18th.

Meanwhile, Melissa was involved in a match in which the advantage see-sawed between the two players. Crucially, the England player seized the initiative to reach the 17th tee one up - and she grabbed her chance to win her point and secure the medal.

Match results (England names first).

Foursomes: Naomi Edwards (Ganton) & Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) lost to Stephanie Kirchmayr & Denise Becker 1 down. Melissa Reid (Chevin) & Jodi Ewart (Catterick) beat Sandra Gal & Thea Hoffmeister 7/6.

Singles: Ewart beat Katharina Schallenberg 4/3. Smith lost to Gal 4/3. Florentyna Parker (Royal Birkdale) lost to Becker 1 down. Rachel Bell (Ganton) beat Kichmayr 3/2. Reid beat Stephanie Doering 2/1.

Labels: golf