Peter Murphy and Carl Green proved Norfolk’s top guns as Nic Cains’ team produced a much-improved display at the Eastern Inter Counties Foursomes Championship in Lincolnshire.

Twelve months ago, Norfolk propped up the table at the nine-county tournament, staged annually at Seacroft Golf Club near Skegness.

This year, after four hard-fought sessions of play, Norfolk took seventh spot in a bunched finish.

They registered a total of 19.5 points – six more than in 2024 – to end up only four and a half points back from overall winners Lincolnshire.

There were fine contributions from all 11 members of Cains’ side, but Murphy and Green ended up as Norfolk’s leading point-scorers.

Mundesley golfer Murphy’s big-hitting style alongside Green’s consistency and sure touch on the greens led to the pair collecting five points, thanks to four wins and two halves.

Cains – Norfolk County Golf Union’s non-playing captain – said: “Pete has loads of talent. Having someone like Carl with him just supports him well.”

Evergreen Simon Clark and partner Nic Sperrin were another brilliant combination, teaming up to deliver four wins over the two days.

Matt Strudwick and Scott Wright showed their Sunday best with three victories from four matches to add to a half-point they gained on the opening day.

Additionally, Sean Rafferty and Tom Rutherford racked up the points together on day two, while teenager Liam Caffyn impressed throughout on his Norfolk first-team bow.

Caffyn, 15, showed maturity beyond his years as he claimed three points – two of which came alongside fellow debutant Scott Sealey and the other in partnership with Callum Rana.

Cains said: “Everyone played their part and put a really good shift in. The boys did well. Everyone played well, everyone got points. Team spirit was really good – there was a real buzz about the team.

“It’s nice to get some confidence for some boys that may have been lacking confidence going into this season. Also, we’ve got a lot of new faces in the squad, so hopefully they can push on and get more good results.”

Norfolk are next in action on June 1st when the first team host Cambridgeshire at Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club. On the same day the seconds face their Cambs counterparts at Girton Golf Club.

Norfolk: Liam Caffyn, Simon Clark, Carl Green, Peter Murphy, Sean Rafferty, Callum Rana, Tom Rutherford, Scott Sealey, Nic Sperrin, Matt Strudwick, Scott Wright. Non-playing captain: Nic Cains.