Norfolk Boys put up a spirited performance to finish runner-up to Leicestershire in the BUT Trophy at Lutterworth Golf Club.

The traditional season-opening triangular tournament saw Norfolk field a young side packed with emerging talent.

They played some excellent golf throughout the day with Jake Gunby and Luis King proving to be Norfolk’s best foursomes pairing in the morning.

Going into the singles matches, Bedfordshire held a 4.5-4.0 lead over the hosts with Norfolk in close pursuit, a further half-point behind.

King, 16, also starred in the afternoon golf, wining both of his matches and conjuring up the shot of the day – an eagle two.

The Eaton golfer’s masterstroke came at the third hole where he unleashed a 190-yard 5-iron from the sand that pitched at the front of the green before spectacularly finding the bottom of the cup.

That set him up for a confident display in which he easily polished off his Bedfordshire rival and then closed out Leicestershire on the 17th green.

Liam Caffyn also enjoyed a superb day, adding to his morning tally of 1.5pts by securing maximum spoils from his singles head-to-heads.

Gunby fought back gamely to record a point in his match-up with a Bedfordshire opponent.  

Quin Monaghan was another to enjoy singles success with booming drives and clutch putting a feature of his fine play.

The battling qualities of Tom Mathers and Will Payne made sure they also contributed to Norfolk’s overall total of 11.5 points.

That was enough to see them surge past Bedfordshire, albeit Leicestershire claimed the silverware with their 15-point tally.

Norfolk county development officer Sammy Martin said: “The team acquitted itself extremely well, especially in the afternoon singles.

“The message at lunchtime was that every decision was important and every shot mattered. The boys responded superbly, thinking smart and playing some great golf.

“There was also a real battling spirit about us. All in all, it’s a very positive start to our season.”

Norfolk Boys team: Liam Caffyn (Dereham), Jake Gunby (Dereham), Luis King (Eaton), Toby Lewin (Bawburgh), Arthur Loose (Hunstanton), Tom Mathers (Royal Norwich), Quin Monaghan (Eaton). Will Payne (Mundesley)