Gloucestershire were so close to winning the EGU Boys County Finals at Whittington Heath, but had to settle for second place as Surrey won for the third successive year.

Everything hinged on the singles against Surrey on the last afternoon. Gloucestershire required 2.5 points from the final three singles after star man Chris Lloyd had won his top match 5 and 4.

Tyler Hogarty won on the last and Adam Carson claimed the final two holes to gain half a point.

It all rested on the final match, featuring Woodspring's Sam Sullivan and international Joshua White.

Sullivan was four down at one stage but pulled back three holes with two to go before losing the 17th hole. Surrey took the tie 5.5-3.5.

Gloucestershire captain Mark Powell said: "We got extremely close and I'm proud of my team.

"All the boys learnt a lot, not least what pressure really is all about.

"This is the furthest we have got. I really felt we had a good chance of beating Surrey and it was close. We will be back next year."

They started with a 6-3 win over Worcestershire and followed with a 5.5-3.5 success over Lancashire.

Points scorers: Chris Lloyd (Kendleshire) 5, Adam Carson (Long Ashton) 4.5, Laurie Potter (Minchinhampton) 3, Sam Sullivan (Woodspring) 2.5, Tyler Hogarty (Rodway Hill) 2, Sam Morgan (B&C) 2, Sam Payne (Shirehampton Park) 1.