LANCASHIRE began their defence of the Daily Telegraph Northern Counties League title when they breezed to an emphatic 15-3 victory over Cumbria at Royal Birkdale.
And it was a dream start for new captain Paul Williams, a member of the adjoining club Hillside, as his charges whitewashed their opponents in the foursomes then continued to dominate the singles.
A freezing wind and penetrating rain whipped across the links in the morning before sunshine offering some respite later in the day but the Red Rose men defied the elements.
“The course bared its teeth but we stood our ground and equipped ourselves better than Cumbria,” said Williams.
He singled out 17-year-old debutant Adam Stone who combined with Royal Lytham's Henry Tomlinson to eclipse Ulverston pair Craig Morrow and Andrew Edwards 3&1 in the foursomes then dispatched the latter 5&4 in the afternoon.
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