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The best amateur golfers in England and France battle it out in an international match at Frilford Heath's Red Course this weekend.

Frilford host the contest on Saturday and Sunday as part of their centenary celebrations and are hoping for a large crowd to watch the action.

England have named three new caps for the match and include 47-year-old Gary Wolstenholme, their best known player and veteran of 214 appearances.

The new caps are Matthew Haines, 18, Neil Chaudhuri, 23, and Stephen Uzzell, 24.

"We have three newcomers but this is a strong team and if we get the rub of the green we should be able to record another win," said England captain Jonathan Plaxton.

"The French will also be strong. They reached the final of the European Championship last year, so we are expecting a tough match."

The international with France dates back to 1934, but Frilford was the first venue when it was revived in 1984.

Frilford's then chairman Dallas Stevens donated the salver, which the teams play for and there is more symmetry in that his son Dick is Frilford's current chairman.

The 17th hole on the Red Course has been lengthened by 30 yards for the match in which England have traditionally held sway.

But France have won three of the past six encounters including two on English soil.

Plaxton, who played in the 1984 match, said: "I recall standing next to Jean Van de Velde in the team photograph and I also recall playing Phillipe Ploujoux, the former Amateur Champion.

"They are happy memories as we won 16-8, so a repeat would be nice."

Van De Velde, who was just 17 at the time, played in one singles match, which he won 6 & 4.

The England team in 1984 included perennial BB&O seniors champion David Lane, who is a member at Goring & Streatley.

Entry is free, while play will continue as normal on the Blue and Green Courses.

England: N Chaudhuri (The Leicestershire), M Cryer (Coventry), M Haines (Rochester & Cobham), S Hutsby (Liphook), S Uzzell (Hornsea), D Whitnell (Five Lakes), D Willett (Rotherham), G Wolstenholme (Carus Green), C Wood (Long Ashton). Reserves: E Richardson (Rye) and M Baldwin (Royal Birkdale).

6:32pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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