ROCHFORD Hundred’s Mitch Starling, Taylor Carter and Bradley Bawden have helped Essex under-18s boys’ side win the English Boys County crown.

Essex beat Derbyshire on the final day at Sandiway Golf Club to lift the title for the third time.

And manager Brian Collins was thrilled with the win.

“The boys have done a superb job and they finished in style,” said Collins.

“To win our region and to get to the final was an achievement.

“And now for us to win the championship again is a real boost for Essex.

“It’s been a great week for us. We’ve been to the final before and not closed the deal.

“This time the team bonded superbly and while I don’t like to single out players, special mention must go to Taylor Carter who won all his six games.”

After laying the foundations for victory from day one – beating Durham while Derbyshire and Wiltshire could only finish all square – the county side went on to win all of their morning foursomes matches on all three days of play.

Then, after beating Wiltshire 6-3 on day two, they were within touching distance of the title as they set out for the final day’s play.

Rochford’s Carter proved the most successful of the side’s players when he completed his sixth win in six outings with a 3&2 finish.

The Derby player had led early on, but when Carter got into his stride he won three holes in four from the 10th to build a winning lead and never looked back.

Team captain Sarling slowly built a lead over his opponent, going two up at the turn and despite being pulled back to all square through 14, reeled out successive birdies at the 16th and 17th for a 2&1 win.

The lone half point that escaped the team’s grasp was gained by Derby’s Josh Ashton who fought a neck-and-neck battle with Rochford’s Bawden.

Both players held a two hole lead at different times.

As they came to the 18th Bawden was one up but, as the match had dictated throughout the day, Ashton holed a lengthy birdie putt to snatch a half and share the spoils.

Victory was extra special for Essex who had endured a nine-year absence from this stage of the championship.