A dogged British team pulled off the most unlikely comeback to retain the Simpson Cup in a rollercoaster singles session at Royal Lytham and St Annes on Wednesday - the first time in the 11-year history of the event that it has finished tied (9.5-9.5).

It was an extraordinary afternoon of golf, which swung one way and the next. However, it was heartbreak for the Americans, who led 4-2 overnight after edging the Tuesday fourball matches, and looked on course for only a second triumph on British soil when the scoreboard at one stage read 8-4.

But the home side dug deep, picking up pivotal points in the bottom matches, which meant it all came down to the showdown between Mike Browne and rookie Cole Paulk. They were deadlocked walking down 18, with Browne needing a point for GB. Both men found the putting surface with their respective approaches, but Paulk, who was much further away, was unable to get down in two, and, with that, captain Dave Ward and his team could celebrate retaining the Simpson Cup.

No team has ever lost the Tuesday fourballs and recovered to win the Cup, and although that technically remains the case, for Ward, it felt like an unmitigated success.

"We're absolutely buzzing - wow, what an afternoon that was!" Ward beamed. "The lads were unbelievable today. After a difficult day yesterday, and then some red on the board early doors this morning, it wasn't looking good. But we hung in there, and our boys at the bottom showed a huge amount of heart to help us keep that beautiful trophy!"

He added: "This is a close-knit group, and they've brought out the best in each other. It's been an unforgettable week, and I suspect it's going to be a good night of celebrations too!"

As for USA captain Marty Caraway, the feeling of disappointment at not winning the trophy was palpable, but he remained magnanimous, and a class act as always.

"I would like to say a huge congrats to Dave and his team - that was stirring stuff at the end there, and they showed a lot of fight to tie things up," he said warmly. "I couldn't be more proud of my team though - to come over here in unfamiliar conditions like these and avoid defeat is a wonderful achievement. I know we didn't quite get the job done, but we'll be holding our heads high."

Indeed, Caraway's description of the conditions as 'unfamiliar' was generous, as the combination of strong wind and heavy showers made things immensely challenging for the players today. So perhaps it was no surprise that it was GB who hit the ground running, with Kushal Limbu (a double amputee) getting the better of Nick Kimmel (a triple amputee) 4&2 in the top match. And his teammate Tim O'Reilly delivered the goods too, romping to a 5&4 win against Jake Nelson to square the overall match momentarily at 4-4.

The tide turned a clear shade of red thereafter as Chad Pfeifer (6&4), Eli Villanueva (3&2) and Jerome Taylor (5&4) all chalked up points by a significant margin. Then came what seemed like a crucial moment, as Alex Happer drained a 10-footer on the 18th hole to beat a valiant Sam Stoddart 1 up - having led by three with five holes to play.



That made it 8-4, but the the pendulum soon began to swing once again. Tirthraj Thapa had too much for Shauna Snyder, taking their match 4&2, while the ever-reliable Andy Stevens racked up a 5&4 victory over Justin Castellanos. Neil Flynn then made it two from two for the week, as he held off Justin Lynn to take the spoils by 4&2.

Suddenly, things were delectably poised, with all but the bottom of the remaining matches on a knife edge (KC Mitchell would subsequently go on to win 4&3 against Raju Midhun, making it 9-7 to USA), and a nerve-jangling denouement set to follow. Scotland's Chris Paterson, who's never been beaten in a Simpson Cup match, had gained a two-hole lead with five to play, but opponent Charles Young rallied to reach all square going down the last hole. Both men had good looks at birdie too, but neither found the cup - ultimately halving their encounter, which was probably a fair result.

One of the real stories of the day, however, was in match 11. America's Jesse Williamson appeared set for a resounding W, reaching the 8th hole in a commanding position at 5 up. However, his fellow double-amputee Ian Bishop built up a head of steam to change the momentum, and won six holes in a row on the back nine to claim an unlikely 2&1 victory.

That incredible turnaround meant it all came down to the Browne/Paulk showdown - one which saw both men lead during the day, but never by more than a two-hole margin. The young American rookie actually won the 17th hole to square the contest, but was unlucky as his approach ran 30 feet past the hole on 18. Having lagged it to five feet, his return putt agonisingly caught the left edge and lipped out, sparking celebrations for the host nation and their supporters.



So, one for Team GB to cherish, but also one for Team USA to take great pride in. A thrilling, heart-stopping day which has been a wonderful advert for this special event. And, once again, both sides have exhibited the camaraderie and bonhomie synonymous with the Simpson Cup - with friendships renewed, and memories made.

We'd also like to extend a huge thank you to Royal Lytham and St Annes, who were wonderful hosts, and whose hospitality has been much appreciated. We've walked the path of legends this week at this iconic golf course, and it has been a real privilege. Next year, we head to Shinnecock Hills in the fall for Simpson Cup 2024 - we hope to see you all there!