KERRY Smith rubber-stamped a superb two-months in women's golf when she sealed victory for England in the Home International Championships at Royal St David's.

England had beaten Scotland and Ireland and needed at least a half from their last match against Wales to secure the Championship. After winning the morning foursomes 2-1 it was looking good for England, but after taking just one of the first four afternoon singles, a mini crisis emerged.

Kerry (pictured below), from Waterlooville, playing in the fifth match, was one up playing the 16th hole where she heard that she needed at least a half to ensure the championship for England. But she did even better, winning the 16th hole to go two up then birdied the 17th to make certain of victory and to give England a 5-4 success.

It was a valiant effort rewarded by selection for both the Great Britain and Ireland and England Elite squads. On the run up to the championships Kerry had won the South East England Intermediate Strokeplay Championship at Royal Mid Surrey where she was five under par for the 36-hole competitition. Kerry also took fifth place in the British Open Strokeplay Championship at Royal County Down and added more silverware to her collection by winning the presigious Liphook Scratch Trophy with rounds of 66 and 69 - nine under par.

Her first round 66, six shots better than her nearest rival, set a new course record.

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