King’s Lynn duo Iain Yule and Mark Butt led the way as Norfolk ended up honours even with Suffolk after a high-class East Anglian Senior League match at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club.

The two teams fought out a thrilling encounter that saw the visitors rally to clinch a 7.5-7.5 tie.

In the morning foursomes session, Yule and Butt gradually took control of their game thanks to some smart teamwork.

Butt’s high-class pitch to within three feet rescued a half at the third hole before he rolled home a birdie putt at the fifth after Yule’s fizzing approach.

Yule also hit another stunning shot at the seventh, curling a 4-iron from the trees to the front edge of the green.

It proved a telling blow, and a hole later he and Butt finished the job to put Norfolk’s first point on the board.

Phil Scott, making his league debut, and Simon Butts added another point after dovetailing well to ensure Norfolk only trailed 2-3 at lunchtime.

The hosts retained the upper hand early on in the singles clashes, but Norfolk refused to wilt as temperatures topped 30 degrees Celsius.

Iain Reid epitomised Norfolk grit as he fought back from 3-down after five holes. The Eaton golfer hung in there either side of the turn before a strong finish saw him surge to a 2-up success on the final green.

Sheringham stalwart Mark Williamson also fell behind early but tapped into a red-hot streak that saw him post seven birdies on his way to 5&4 win.

Swaffham member John Shapland demonstrated admirable resolve to secure a half after finding himself 2-down with four to play.

Chris Lamb was another to finish all-square before Butt and Yule both safely negotiated the final hole to land respective wins that ensured Norfolk came away with a deserved share of the spoils.

Norfolk’s non-playing captain Gary Brayshaw said: “I’m delighted with the team. We gave a very good performance against an in-form Suffolk side.

“The boys showed a lot of spirit and determination, playing some excellent golf to retain our unbeaten record so far this season.”

East Anglian Senior League

Suffolk 7.5 Norfolk 7.5 (match played at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club)

Foursomes (Norfolk players named first)

Chris Lamb and Carl Green lost 3&1 v Gavin Richards and Sean Dolton

Simon Butts and Phil Scott won 1-up v Alan Henry and James O’Doherty

Iain Yule and Mark Butt won 3&2 v Andy Grogan and Peter Brady

Iain Reid and John Shapland lost 2-down v Stephen Duffety and Graham Sykes

Jon Batten and Mark Williamson lost 1-down v Ivan Fryer and Chris Phillips

Singles

Batten lost 1-down v Richards

Green lost 2&1 v Dolton

Reid won 2-up v Brady

Lamb A/S v Phillips

Williamson won 5&4 v Fryer

Shapland A/S v Duffety

Yule won 1-up v Grogan

Butt won 2-up v Sykes

Scott lost 1-down v Henry

Butts – O’Doherty – match halved

Norfolk: Jon Batten (Sheringham), Mark Butt (King’s Lynn), Simon Butts (Hunstanton), Carl Green (Great Yarmouth & Caister), Chris Lamb (Royal Norwich) Iain Reid (Eaton), Phil Scott (Mundesley) John Shapland (Swaffham), Mark Williamson (Sheringham), Iain Yule (King’s Lynn).