MINCHINHAMPTON’S Jack Cope helped England win the 2017 Boys’ Home Internationals.

England maintained 100 per cent record after winning all three matches against Ireland, Scotland and Wales at St Annes Old Links, Lancashire.

Cope claimed four out of a possible six points available to him, winning three matches, halving two and losing just one.

Cope said: “It was an honour to play for my country at Home Internationals at St Annes Old Course, last week and even better to be part of the winning team.

"Not only was this a proud moment for me and my family but also for my coach, Stuart Little, and the Gloucestershire Golf Union, which I have been fortunate to represent since I was 10 years-old.

"Over the years they have all provided enormous support and encouragement for which I am hugely grateful and indebted to them. I’m very proud to be representing Gloucestershire at British Boys this week, which is my last U18 event before I hopefully go to Stirling University as part of their golf team within the international sports scholarship programme.”

Derek Hughes’ side successfully defended the trophy which they won at Ballyliffin in Ireland last year and England have now won the under-18 team event 16 times since 1996.

Hughes commented: “I’m obviously very pleased. The boys have done very well.

“The course has been very good. It’s in really good condition.

“We had heavy rain on Tuesday when the greenkeepers did a great job. When the boys got back out on the course after the rain delay it was excellent. It’s a good venue and everything about the week has been first class.”

England played their way into pole position with an 11-4 win over Wales on the first day and a 10-5 win over Ireland on the second, before beating Scotland 8-7.

The English victory was sealed during the Thursday morning foursomes against Scotland when they took a 4-1 lead, while Wales, who had held a slim chance of catching them, lost their foursomes against Ireland by the same margin.

Despite the main prize having gone, Scotland restored some pride in the afternoon singles which they won 6-4, despite losing the overall contest.

Final placings: 1 England, 2 Ireland, 3 Wales, 4 Scotland.