ROYAL Jersey Golf Club lifted the Hampshire 7-a-side title after two nail-biting successes at Waterlooville on Sunday.

Led by A-team captain Steve Bowen, Royal Jersey took the title for the second time since 1983 following 4-3 semi-final and final wins against Southsea and hosts Waterlooville respectively.

Royal secretary Darren Attwood said: ‘This is a tremendous victory as not only was it won away from home but on the opposing finalists’ home course.

While there were seven players in the final there have been 13 who have played in the competition so it’s been a fantastic team effort.

‘Our team spirit has been second to none led by talisman Gavin O’Neill.

When he plays well it seems to run through the side.

‘Gavin played his part with two wins but what was pivotal was Robbie Messervy coming from two down with two to play to win his match.

‘Robbie has had a remarkable season.

He has been at the Club many mornings this summer at 6.30 practising and it’s paid off.

He regained his place in the Island and won a maximum three points.

He won the Club championship last weekend and know he turned the final round for us to win the County title.’ The Royal got off to a flying start in the final and after seven holes they were up in five matches.

Waterlooville fought back and it appeared the championship was slipping from the Royal’s grasp at two-all with three pairings left on the course.

Matthew Parkman was one down with two to play; Messervy was two down with two to play and Bowen two up with two to play.

Waterlooville went 3-2 up when Parkman was beaten on the 17th leaving the Royal to win both matches to take the title.

Messervy then pulled his game round by winning the last two holes to level and then taking the first extra hole to win.

All eyes were now on Bowen and after he and his opponent got caught up in trees at the last, Bowen sank a short putt to win his match and the championship.

Morning semi-final winners were Richard Harrop, Parkman, Christy McLaughlin and Gavin O’Neill, the latter pair who both won on on the 18th.

Full report in today’s JEP.