HAMPSHIRE started their 2012 league campaign in perfect fashion with a 7½-4½ win over Dorset.

Richard Elmes’ side travelled to Ferndown for their opening fixture in the English Golf Union’s South Eastern Group.

And they brought home a full compliment of points after an impressive day of golf on Sunday.

Elmes, who was captaining the Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands squad for the first time, said: “It was a very good result, especially against a Dorset team that had four players from Ferndown, which always makes it harder.

“It gives me a lot of confidence, but also the lads a lot of confidence, to get the first game out of the way and get a win.

“We’ll go to Sussex in our next match with people very much believing in themselves, and I’m very positive about the season ahead.”

Despite the unavailability of Corhampton’s Neil Raymond and Army’s Sam Robertshawe, due to international commitments, as well as Hayling’s Colin Walsh, who was out with a neck injury, Hampshire showed no signs of weakness.

Ryan Henley (Stoneham) and teenage ace Harry Ellis (Meon Valley) were the stars of the morning foursomes, thumping Weymouth pair Jon Welch and Robert Mabb 6&4.

Brokenhurst duo Martin Young and Jon Watt also nailed down a full point, after seeing off Sonny Wilkinson and Tom Peacock 1up.

Another Brok pair, Jordan Ainley and debutant Jack Singh-Brar, earned a half in their match against Tom Leech and Daniel Bishop.

Full story in today's Daily Echo