DAILY MAIL FOURSOMES

Reigning women’s champions Marriott Forest of Arden got their title defence off to a smart start as they sailed into the third round of the Daily Mail Foursomes. West Midlands duo Helen Orton and Julie Baker came from behind on their home course to beat Copt Heath 5&4. in the first round, they defeated Windmill Village 5&4. ‘Helen and i are delighted to have the opportunity to defend this prestigious title,’ Baker said. ‘We are enjoying each round as it comes with no expectations of how far we get. ‘The opposition battled hard but we had the rub of the green.’ The last 16 women’s and men’s pairs head to Slaley Hall for the finale of the world’s biggest amateur golf competition in October.