Foxes Fight to the Final Day at Midlands North Region County Match Week 2026

The Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies Golf Association team travelled to Shropshire for England Golf's Midlands North Region County Match Week, hosted by Shropshire at Shifnal Golf Club from Monday 1st June to Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

Preparations began on Sunday 31st May with a productive practice round. Players went out in groups, testing potential pairings and familiarising themselves with the course ahead of the competition. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused, and it was clear that the Foxes were ready for the challenge ahead.

The week started brightly, with the team settling quickly into the challenge of county match play. Throughout the tournament, every player contributed to the county effort, displaying determination, resilience and tremendous team spirit. Match play golf often swings on the smallest of margins, and the Leicestershire & Rutland players fought hard for every point against strong opposition from across the Midlands North Region.

As the week progressed, the Foxes showed exactly the qualities that their mascot represents – persistence, intelligence and an unwillingness to give up. Whether leading from the front or battling back from difficult positions, the team remained supportive of one another and continued to compete with pride in county colours.

Day 1

Match 1 – Staffordshire

The Foxes opened their campaign against a strong Staffordshire side, with plenty of closely contested matches played in great spirit throughout the morning.

Making their County Week debuts, Edie Speirs and Lucy Wheeler stepped straight into the foursomes and showed no signs of nerves. Ellie York and Lucy Wheeler produced a fantastic comeback from three holes down to secure an excellent 2&1 victory. Karen Haynes added a valuable point in the singles, while the rest of the team battled hard in matches that remained competitive throughout and some went to the 18^th hole proving very close.

Although Leicestershire & Rutland narrowly missed out on the overall result, there were plenty of positives to take from the opening match, with every player contributing to a determined team performance.

Match 2 – Derbyshire

The team showed great character in the afternoon against Derbyshire. As the weather turned and the rain arrived, concentration and resilience became even more important.

The foursomes were shared, with one point going to each county. Ellie York and Lucy Wheeler continued their impressive partnership, recording a commanding 7&6 victory. In the singles, Edie Speirs marked her County Week singles debut with an excellent 4&3 win, while Jo Morris-Bourne secured another crucial point with a superb birdie two.

There were hard-fought battles throughout the team, with every player playing their part in a closely contested encounter. Those performances helped secure a well-earned 3–2 victory and ensured the Foxes finished Day 1 on a high.

Day 2

Match 3 – Shropshire

What a fantastic start to Day 2 for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Facing the host county on their home turf was always going to be a challenge, with many of the Shropshire players enjoying extensive knowledge of Shifnal Golf Club. However, the Foxes were unfazed and came out fighting.

The foursomes produced two valuable points. The Lutterworth pairing of Lucy Wheeler and Ellie York continued their outstanding form, securing their third win from three matches, while captain Rachel East and Eleanor Parkinson delivered a dominant 8&6 victory.

In the singles, every player fought hard against strong opposition. A special mention goes to Ella Cunningham, making her County Week debut against a former Ladies European Tour player playing off +3.0 and representing her home club. Ella rose to the challenge magnificently, playing her own game and more than holding her own against elite opposition.

The decisive point came from Tracy Bourne in the final singles match, securing a memorable 3–2 victory for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Match 4 – Nottinghamshire

The afternoon match against Nottinghamshire proved to be the most dramatic contest of the week.

Lucy Wheeler and Ellie York once again delivered in the foursomes, claiming another point with a 5&3 victory, while Karen Haynes produced some beautifully steady par golf to secure an impressive 5&4 win.

Everything came down to the final match on the course.

A special mention must go to Jo Morris-Bourne, who produced an incredible comeback from three down with three holes remaining. Refusing to give in, Jo battled back to halve her match and secure the all-important half point for the team.

As the drama unfolded, every member of Team Leicestershire & Rutland gathered to support Jo over the closing holes. A sea of blue shirts lined the fairways, united behind their teammate in a wonderful display of county spirit.

That crucial half point secured a 2½–2½ victory and kept the Foxes firmly in contention heading into the final day. Suddenly, the possibility of lifting the regional title was within reach. A 4–1 victory against Lincolnshire, combined with favourable results elsewhere, would give Leicestershire & Rutland a chance of becoming champions.

Day 3

Match 5 – Lincolnshire

The final match of the competition was against a formidable Lincolnshire side.

To have any chance of becoming Midlands North Region Champions, the Foxes needed a 4–1 victory.

The team embraced the challenge and made a positive start, but despite another spirited performance, Lincolnshire proved too strong on the day, winning the match 4–1.

One highlight came from Tracy Bourne and Eleanor Parkinson, who produced a superb 6&5 victory against Lincolnshire's top foursomes pairing – a performance of the highest quality under pressure.

While the result ended hopes of the title, the team could reflect on an outstanding week of golf.

To be in contention for the championship going into the final day was a tremendous achievement and an opportunity Leicestershire & Rutland have not enjoyed for many years.

Every player contributed throughout the week. Whether winning points on the course, battling until the final putt, caddying, offering advice and encouragement, or simply ensuring teammates were fuelled with water and snacks, everyone played their part.

In true Foxes spirit, the team hunted together, supported one another, and represented Leicestershire & Rutland with pride.

Final Standings

Lincolnshire – 9 points Staffordshire – 6 points Leicestershire & Rutland – 5 points Derbyshire – 4 points Shropshire – 3 points Nottinghamshire – 3 points

A special thank you goes to our fantastic captain, Rachel East, who led the team with determination, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the week. A true Fox and an outstanding ambassador for Leicestershire & Rutland.

Finally, a massive thank you to all the organisers working tirelessly behind the scenes, the supporters, caterers, hostesses, greenkeepers and everyone at Shifnal Golf Club for their wonderful hospitality throughout the week. Events such as County Match Week simply could not happen without their dedication and hard work.

Thank you to everyone who supported Team Leicestershire & Rutland throughout MNR County Week 2026, the cards and messages were so uplifting. Your encouragement meant so much to the players and helped drive the team forward every step of the way.

The Foxes may not have lifted the trophy this time, but they left Shifnal with heads held high, proud of what they achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.