HAMPSHIRE under-16s manager Wayne Matthews was delighted with his side after they won the South East League title for the first time.

Matthews said: “Our under-16 team have been together for a number of years and the bond and team spirit and belief wins you matches. The boys had been watching the first two days of the Ryder Cup and just wanted to get out there and emulate their heroes.

“Having a Hampshire legend like Justin Rose starring in the Ryder Cup is a massive inspiration for all our players.

“After all, he played in the same events as they do when he was a boy. The boys are a credit to their clubs and parents, as well as the county, and for the juniors in our under-tens, under-12s and under-14s to now look up to.”

Hampshire won four of their six under-16 matches this summer, drawing the other two to go unbeaten, and picked up 28 points out a possible 48.