Hampshire’s Under-18 team launch their bid for glory in the English County Finals this week.

The squad have travelled to Kedleston Park Golf Club, in Derby, for the showdown between the nation’s four best sides].

Hampshire, who won the south east region qualifier, will be up against Devon, Staffordshire and defending champions Yorkshire.

It is the same four counties that reached the 2012 finals.

Hampshire will be without their two star players, Meon Valley’s Harry Ellis and Brokenhurst Manor’s Jack Singh-Brar, who are both unavailable.

However, the county boasts plenty of depth in its youth ranks, with team manager John Moore remaining confident of a good week.

“After being there last year we know what to expect,” he said.

“Obviously, we’re a bit disappointed we’re without Harry Ellis, Jack Singh-Brar and Arrun Singh-Brar. They’re all unavailable through different circumstances.

“But I’m reasonably confident we can put up a good show. They’re all young, they’ve all been playing in national events anyway, so they all know what to expect, and it will be a good experience for them.

“I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited.”

Hampshire will open up tomorrow with a match against Devon, who they beat in last year’s finals, when they finished third.

The county has taken seven players to the competition – Meon Valley’s Mason Banger, Brokenhurst Manor’s Ryan Harmer, Sandown & Shanklin pair Jordan Sundborg and Josh Oddy, and North Hants trio TJ Donaldson, Tom Farrow-Smith and Billy Watson.

Donaldson is the only member of the squad who featured in last year’s finals.

“They have all been performing very well this year,” said Moore.

The strong Hampshire set-up means the squad are also well supported by an impressive team behind the scenes.

Moore said: “We’ve got three coaches – Gary Stubbington, from Hockley, Gary Smith, ex-England coach, and the Ryder Cup star, Peter Dawson, is our third coach, and Peter Taylor is our mind guru, and obviously the rest of the Hampshire team.”