Albie Beeston makes it four-out-of-four for Hampshire

But the 17-year-old got the reward of being picked for his second South East League match of the season on Sunday instead.

And the Basingstoke boy fired off two more points to take his total to four wins out of four – the start dreams are made of in inter-county matchplay events.

North Hants GC’s Albie Beeston tees off at the 12th in his singles match against Surrey in the South East League South Division, at Woking GC. (Image: Andrew Griffin/AMG Pictures)

With Hampshire consigned to playing in the newly formed division two next season after losing their opening two games against Kent and Sussex, they played for pride in what was captain Toby Burden’s final match as captain, after just over two seasons in charge.

Beeston teamed up with North Hants clubmate James Atkins in the foursomes – playing in the bottom match.

They made it a whitewash at lunch thanks to a 3&1 win over Sunningdale’s Will Dugdale, who qualified as an amateur for the Seniors Open at Gleneagles a week earlier.

After lunch, the North Hants GC member went out in fourth spot, romping to a 6&4 win over former English Mid-Amateur (Over 35s) champion David Corben, who has 20 years' experience at league level.

The teenager rattled off an eagle at the first after driving the green on the 277-yard hole, and made four birdies before shaking Corben’s hand after sharing pars on the 14th.

North Hants GC’s Albie Beeston in his singles match against Surrey in the South East League South Division, at Woking GC. (Image: Andrew Griffin/AMG Pictures)

Beeston, who became the sixth 16-year-old to feature in the league for Hampshire over the last 30 years, back in May, said: "It’s great to be picked at the same age as Justin Rose was back in 1996, England Boys captain Dave Porter, and be mentioned in the same breath as Walker Cup players Sam Hutsby and Harry Ellis.

"I’ve enjoyed playing for the county men’s team – they have all welcomed me into the team, and so far the results have been great."

Hartley Wintney’s Charlie Preston travelled back down the M6 after being knocked out of the English Amateur at Beau Desert to join up with the Hampshire team for Saturday’s practice.

The 20-year-old teamed up with Stoneham’s Jack Warren, this year’s losing county championship finalist, to win the top foursomes game by one on the 18th.

Preston made it two points out of two – and three out of four for the season – by winning his singles match 2&1 as Hampshire ran out winners by 81/2-31/2.

At one point, Hampshire were up or level in all eight matches on the front nine, but Surrey fought back hard in the bottom four matches, as North Hants’ James Atkins was held to a half by a brilliant birdie on the last by Wentworth’s Henry Daly.

North Hants’ Rob Wheeler, Blackmoor’s Sam Parsons and Hayling’s Toby Burden were all beaten by late rallies by the hosts.