Rebecca Hudson (left) and Trish Johnson (right)

(La Sella Golf Resort, Spain – Sunday 6th April 2008) – Trish Johnson and Rebecca Hudson led England to a five-stroke victory in the inaugural VCI European Ladies Golf Cup at La Sella Golf Resort near Alicante on Sunday.

The pair combined for rounds of 64, 70, 65 and 71 in the 72-hole competition to win on 18-under-par.

Belgium and Germany tied for second position on 13-under. Belgians Lara Tadiotto and Ellen Smets carded a final round of 71, while Germans Martina Eberl and Anja Monke fired a 65.

The Netherlands finished fourth on six-under-par, with Italy in fifth, Russia in sixth and the host nation Spain in seventh place on three-under-par.

The tournament featured four balls on days one and three, with “The Valencian Cup Format”, a variation on greensomes, played on days two and four.

The English duo were five strokes clear of the field going into the final round, with the other 19 teams unable to catch them, despite a bold effort from Germany.

Belgium was their nearest challenger for much of the day, but Germany reached 14-under after 51 holes only to three-putt the last for a bogey.

England dropped a shot on the front nine, at the par-four fifth-hole, but cemented their lead with three birdies and a bogey on the back nine.

Johnson made a superb birdie putt from 25 feet at the par-four 15th, to give the English team a three shot lead. Then Hudson almost holed in one with a seven-wood at the 185 yard 17th, allowing Johnson to dispatch a five-foot downhill putt for a two and a four stroke lead with one hole remaining.

“We gelled perfectly,” said Johnson. “The two Belgian girls were absolutely fantastic. They deserve better than what they got actually in the end but they played great and they pushed us all the way.”

Hudson added: “For me, I’ve just enjoyed the whole week and knowing that Trish was always going to be there or there abouts was just great.”

The English pair was keen to wish their best to Kirsty Taylor, who was replaced by Hudson in the event following brain surgery. Taylor, the 2005 Welsh Ladies Champion of Europe, is recovering well and hopes to be competing on Tour later in the year.

Johnson said: “We both wish her all the best and can’t wait to see her back out here. I think that goes for everyone on the Tour.”

Hudson said: “From when I was little I’ve watched Trish so to get the chance to play, in such a bad situation with Kirsty not being able to play, I’ve got to look at it in that I was very fortunate but we all do wish our best to Kirsty.”

Both Johnson and Hudson will take increased confidence from their win so early in 2008, with Johnson adding: “It’s nice to start off with a win. You’re not always playing catch up.”

Hudson will remain in Spain for the next five days ahead of a Pro Am in Catalonia, while both players will compete in the Open de Espana Femenino from 17-20 April.