GWENT won the Channel League title for only the third time yesterday - and they did so in style demolishing Gloucestershire 11-4 over the tree-lined Newport course at Rogerstone.

Their previous successes were achieved in 1979 and 1994 - and one man particularly happy with yesterday's feat was Pontnewydd veteran Mark Skinner who has featured in each of the three victorious line-ups.

Skinner was as enthusiastic as ever yesterday as he lined up with Raglan Parc man Alistair Bennett to secure a foursomes point and then beat Richard Carter 2&1 in the singles.

Gwent led 4-1 after the foursomes but captain Chris King knew they could not relax as Gloucestershire have a very powerful side always a major threat.

But at the top of the singles order was West Monmouthsire's re-instated amateur Craig Evans who had returned from the home internationals in Ireland to boost the Gwent cause.

And the 35-year-old international was in spectacular form being eight under par in beating Ed Butler by 3&2. It was a remarkable performance which boosted team spirits.

Neil Povall, the county champion, won his match as did Welsh boys champion Jo Vickery so when Jonathan Davidson, one of the most experienced players in the side, prevailed on the home green against Nick Scholey, Gwent were the champions.

Defeat could have let in either Glamorgan or Devon.

"I am absolutely elated. Steve Hewitt and I started with the county set-up nine years ago with the aim of winning the Channel League. It's been hard work but it's all been worth it," said captain King.

He paid tribute to the county coaches Paul Mayo and Neil Matthews for their contribution.

Results: Gwent v Glos (Gwent names first) Foursomes: C Evans and T Hayward beat A Hale and D Lake 2&1; J Zanotti and S Randell lost to N Day and R Langdon one hole; S Whitty and R Barber beat E Butler and R Carter 2&1; J Vickery and N Povall beat N Scholey and S Riddell 3&2; M Skinner and A Bennett beat J Cuss and T Clink 5&4. Foursomes Result: Gwent 4 Glos 1.

Singles - Evans beat Butler 3&2; Povall beat Day 2&1; Hayward lost to Longdon 4&2; Wjitty lost to Lake 4&2; Randell lost to Hale 3&2; J Davidson beat Scholey one hole; Vickery beat Riddell 3&2; Skinner beat Carter 2&1; Barber beat Clink 4&3; Bennett beat Cuss 5&4.

Singles Result: Gwent 7 Glos 3.

Match Result: Gwent 11 Glos 4.