BOWOOD amateur ace Jordan Smith remained unbeaten throughout as England completed a narrow 13-11 victory over France in the biennial contest at Fontainebleau at the weekend.

Walker Cup star Smith, 21, claimed three victories and a half as Britain reversed the scoreline in their defeat at Chantilly four years ago.

After three series, the teams were level at 8-8, so it all came down to the final day singles which England secured 5-3 to complete their 28th victory in the event.

England showed their true form in the singles as the French won both series of foursomes 2.5-1.5, a format England controleld in the previous meeting at Rochester & Cobham two years ago.

England also took the opening series of singles 5-3 to lead 6.5-5.5 at the end of day one, but the French repeated the performance in the Sunday foursomes to draw level and leave everything to play for in the Sunday singles.

“This was an excellent victory over a young French team,” said Nigel Edwards, England Golf’s Performance Director.

“Although we were tied 8-8 going into the final series of singles I was confident because of the way the players performed the previous day, but the foursomes results were not what we were looking for.

“However, our form in the singles was excellent and I’m looking forward to seeing more from these players in the lead up to selection for the European Team Championships.”

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