Glenmuir was really playing its part at the centre of Club Professional Golf in Europe last week

In a closely-fought final day, when at least four nations were in pursuit of the first prize, France added a new name to the Glenmuir-supported PGAsE International Team Championship, when they kept their noses in front to become the European title-holders for the first time.

Jacques Thalamy's round of three-under-par 70 was the decisive factor on a day when a strong wind whipped up the waves on the nearby Mediterranean and sent golf balls off-line on the Dave Thomas-designed Marbella Club course, set in the foot of the mountains.

Although Thalamy's team mates could not match his excellence, a 76 by Anthoney Manasson proved good enough for a two-stroke lead over runners-up, Ireland, for whom the experienced and dependable Brendan McGovern was one under par.

France 's level-par 146 in such conditions was an admirable performance and their victory has added a new dimension to a Championship that attracted a record 25 entries and that raises its profile every year. Their winning team is pictured (above) with their well-deserved trophy and PGAsE President, Manual Agrellos(left) and Graham Hayward of sponsors, Glenmuir, extreme right.

England, were once again well-served by the key man, Paul Wesselingh, who shot 71 but his closest supporter was Darren Parris on two over and the defending championships shared third place with the Scotland trio of Scott Henderson, Chris Doak and Chris Kelly who enjoyed a fine championship.

The UK nations were, in fact, queuing up unsuccessfully behind France in pursuit of the title with Wales following Ireland, England and Scotland home, ahead of Holland and Italy . Wales (Jimmy Lee, Andy Barnett and Matthew Ellis), supported by Ryder Cup Wales handled the high winds sweeping up through the mountainous valleys best of the 24 teams left in the competition after the disqualification of the first-day leaders Spain.

The Welsh fourth-round team total of 142 - thanks to skipper Jimmy Lee finding his form on the last day with a three-under-par 70 - hoisted them up into fifth place on two-over 586.