Title race hots up at England's senior championship The title race at the Senior Men’s County Championship hotted up today with wins for BB and O and Devon at Robin Hood Golf Club, Solihull. BB and O (Berks, Bucks and Oxon) scored their second win of the tournament when they beat Worcestershire 5½-3½.  Meanwhile, Devon played their way into the mix with a 5-4 win over Yorkshire.  It means BB and O have four points so far, while Devon and Yorkshire are both one-match winners with two points each. It’s possible for all three teams to triumph tomorrow, although BB andO have the advantage of knowing that a win or a half in their match against Yorkshire, will give them the trophy. Wins by Yorkshire or Devon – who play Worcestershire – will lead to a countback to decide the outcome. Devon’s win today opened up the tournament – and owed much to an excellent singles performance. They were 2-1 behind after the foursomes but four of their players won their singles – including Graham Ruth who sped off to an 8 and 6 success. However, it was the last game on the course which proved the decider. The two teams were level pegging as Devon’s Philip Lyons reached the 18th tee all square, having lost the 17th. His opponent tangled with trees and a bunker, opening the way for Lyons to win the hole with steady play. Lyons is pictured (top) being congratulated by Graham Ruth (image © Leaderboard Photography). “The guys were brilliant,” said Devon captain Jon Gynne. “We are ecstatic and it puts us back in the mix. I think we are still outsiders – but we’re still willing to spoil a party! We’ll be going all out tomorrow.” It’s the same story for the other contenders. BB&O captain Ashley Brewer said: “We are in contention and, because Devon have beaten Yorkshire, it’s now for us to win or lose.” But Yorkshire captain John Grimbleby added: “It’s still in our hands tomorrow if we win.” BB and O made a quick start to the day with three wins from the foursomes, but Worcestershire rallied in the singles, winning 3½ points from the six games. BB and O were seen home by Andrew Stracey, a former senior international, and by Brewer. Stracey, who started with a birdie, made rapid strides just after the turn, winning three holes in a row to get to four up after 12. Three steady halved holes gave him a win of 4 and 3. Brewer, meanwhile, was playing at the bottom of the order and was four up at one stage but his lead was cut to one after 12.  He managed to win the 16th to get to two up and then secured the team’s win with a good four from a bunker on 17. Worcestershire’s highlights included a win by Bill Thompson who persevered doggedly against England international David Niven and eventually beat him one up. Their other points were provided by Peter Adams and Philip White with a half from Bryan Swain. Team captain Grenville Rose said: “I think they were a bit overawed yesterday but it was a different story today and the putting was much better. We were really pleased today.”  Thursday's matches: Devon v Worcestershire; BB&O v Yorkshire Click here for full scores Lyndsey Hewison Press Officer England Golf pr@englandgolf.org 07825 752 193