Young Dereham golfer is called up by Norfolk
Imogen Leeder (right) pictured with fellow junior Max Jacob and tournament professional Andrew Marshall after her success in a recent competition at Dereham Golf Club. Picture: Jane Bizley - Credit: Archant
Two more youngsters have been given the chance to shine when Norfolk's women host this year's East Region County Week at Hunstanton.
Dereham's Imogen Leeder and Swaffham's Abigail O'Riordan have been included in the county's 11-strong squad for the showpiece competition, which runs from June 19-23.
The fresh-faced rookies will take their place in a squad which includes four other teenagers who are already well established at this level, indicating the current strength of the junior game in the county.
'My selection combines the tried and tested formula of youth and experience and every member adds a personal quality to the line-up,' said captain Sammy Martin.
'The introduction of Imogen and Abigail adds a rookie aspect to the squad and hopefully they will gain maturity from the County Week exposure and seasoned fellow team members.'
The two new recruits will be teaming up with fellow teenagers Amelia Williamson (Royal Cromer), Ellie Brown (Barnham Broom), Amy Taylor (Bawburgh) and Jasmine Campbell (Royal Norwich).
Amelia and Amy featured in the final of the Norfolk Ladies Championship at Royal Cromer last month, with Amelia coming out on top 2&1,
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The experience in the squad comes in the shape of Amelia's mother Tracey Williamson (Royal Cromer), county president Jo Ashmore (Barnham Broom), Jo Herd (Royal Norwich), Tiffany Mills (Ryston Park) and Shelly Pleasance (Thetford).
As usual Norfolk will be pitting their wits against the best amateurs from Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambs & Hunts and Bedfordshire.
They will be aiming to match their achievements under Tracey Williamson last year, when they won the regional event and went on to finish third in the national final.
'It is very exciting to be playing on home turf,' said the new captain. 'We are expecting challenging matchplay as always, but with confidence gained from our success last year we will endeavour to do our very best to make our county proud.'
