MALTON & Norton Golf Club star David Hague led England to success in the Men’s Home Internationals - ending Ireland's four-year reign as champions.

The England team - coached by Graham Walker, the head professional at The Oaks GC near Aughton, to the south west of York - triumphed in the competition at Conwy Golf Club, Wales, when overcoming Ireland 8.5-6.5 in the title decider.

The result was particularly sweet after last year's agony when Ireland beat England by half a game point.

And Hague was the main man - ending as the team’s top scorer throughout the tournament with a perfect score of six wins from six games.

Team captain Gareth Jenkins said: “This is fantastic. We’ve been so close over the last few years that to finally have the chance and to win is great. The team had an amazing fighting spirit and played some outstanding golf.

“We’ve all got to thank our coach, Graham Walker, for the way he prepared the team. He really deserves tremendous credit.”

England, who last won this championship in 2013, opened their campaign with an 11.5-3.5 win over the hosts, Wales. Although the scoreline was convincing the match was initially tight with the five foursomes shared. England won all but one of the singles.

On the second day, the team took on Scotland and got off to a great start, winning four of the five foursomes. However the match developed into an intensely tight battle, with England eventually edging an 8-7 win.

Ireland also beat Scotland and Wales in their first two games, so the final day’s encounter between England and the holders would decide the destination of the Raymond Trophy.

The foursomes were shared with 2.5 points apiece. The singles were also close, but Andrew Wilson lost no time in putting a point on the board for England with his 7&6 win while Hague won his match 2&1 to complete his perfect record and set up the triumph.

Dorset’s Tom Plumb also ended unbeaten in his six games, with four wins and two halves.