Norfolk’s Under 18 golfers recorded superb victories against Suffolk and Bedfordshire in a South East League match staged at Barnham Broom.

The second leg of the triangular series saw Norfolk beat Suffolk for the second successive time this season – and reverse form with Bedfordshire, who overcame them a month earlier.

In a fitting climax to a fine afternoon’s play, Sheringham golfer Theo Pudney teed up on the final hole needing to preserve his 1-up lead against Bedfordshire and ensure that the home county clinched overall victory on the day.

Pudney safely negotiated his tee-shot on the par-4 before floating a solid lob wedge to within 18 feet and pin high on the 18th green.

With his Bedfordshire opponent unable to make birdie, Pudney two-putted for par in front of a large assembled crowd of fellow players, officials and parents.

It was enough to secure the young Lions a 4.5-3.5 success over Bedfordshire – the same margin by which they had earlier mastered Suffolk.

Their nine-point total from both matches left Norfolk triumphant overall by a slender half-point from Bedfordshire, who had overcome Suffolk 5-3.

Pudney’s pressure-packed par confirmed a personal two-point haul after he had notched up a 5&4 win against his Suffolk opponent on the 14th green.

Sully Goddard, Tom Mathers and Jake Gunby also won both of their matches, but equally crucial were the battling half-points claimed by Liam Caffyn and Quin Monaghan.

Both players had to rally late in their respective matches against Bedfordshire and Suffolk to make all-important gains that proved telling in the final outcome.

Norfolk Under-18s manager Ryan Pudney said: “I am super proud of the team. Everyone played their part in what were two excellent victories. The wins mean that we go into the final match (at Haverhill Golf Club on June 8) with the destiny of the league in our own hands.

“Barnham Broom proved an excellent venue with the players having to deal with tricky winds. Congratulations to Sully, Theo, Tom and Jake for each picking up two points. However, the half-points gained by Quin and Liam proved pivotal in tipping the balance our way.”

Norfolk Under 18s team: Liam Caffyn (Dereham), Luke Gilding (Royal Norwich), Sully Goddard (Thetford), Jake Gunby (Dereham), Luis King (Eaton), Tom Mathers (Royal Norwich), Quin Monaghan (Eaton), Theo Pudney (Sheringham).