Robson takes reins as Hampshire aim to improve

And this weekend he will step up as the county captain as a one-off stand in for Martin Young, who is aiming for a second English Mid-Amateur crownwhen his Brokenhurst Manor club host England Golf’s Logan Trophy.

Young, who claimed the title at Hayling in 2006, has had to choose between leading his county out against Sussex at East Sussex National and playing in the national event he looks forward to most each year.

But the man who has several top-10 finishes in the Mid-Am on top of his sole victory 10 years ago, will at least know his absence cannot cost Hampshire a place in the Daily Telegraph South East League Final in October, after back-to-back defeats against Dorset and Kent in May.

However, he is looking for a considerable improvement after an abject showing in the Sunday singles at North Hants when Kent ran out victors by 101/2-11/2 – one of the heaviest defeats in the county’s recent history.

Robson will be managing the side chosen by Young and, like his senior, taking on the captaincy while keeping his place in the team.

Young announced Hayling’s Richard Harris will make his debut on Sunday, after his impressive showing in the Hampshire Amateur Championship.

The the former Pompey Academy striker reached the semi-final before losing to eventual winner Young.

With Corhampton’s Scott Gregory preparing to join up with England, Young has a selection dilemma.

But he is boosted by the availability of US college golfers Jamie Mist, from Hayling, Rowlands Castle’s Billy McKenzie and ex-England Amateur champion Harry Ellis.

Ellis’ Meon Valley club-mate George Saunders was the sole bright note in that defeat by Kent.

Young would dearly love to regain the English Mid-Amateur title after Gregory’s win in the British Amateur at Royal Porthcawl and Ellis’ Lagonda Trophy success in May.

As for Robson, he will be buoyed by the Colts success in his first attempt at captaincy.

He said: ‘The boys were fantastic all day. We had a bit of bad luck in the morning to be 2-2 against Sussex.

‘I wasn’t worried about Kent at all after half-time. I told the boys to concentrate on Sussex and Kent would take care of themselves. The triangular format is tough, so I tried to simplify it as much as I could.

‘It was a solid all-round performance and we are all pleased to get to the final again.

‘This weekend will be a lot different as I am playing. It will all be about the preparation.

‘One of the past captains will be there to help with stuff out on the course during the game.

‘Then I will just be concentrating on winning my two points.’