Ireland defeated England in the most dramatic of fashions on the second day of the Men's Home Internationals at Ballybunion GC in Kerry today.
With the morning foursomes shared 2½ apiece the match was destined to be decided in the singles. But, like the foursomes, it looked as though the singles would also be halved. That was, until Mark Campbell stepped-up and produced a remarkable comeback against John Kemp in the eighth match.
Campbell was one down with one hole to play in the only match from this tie out on the course. Playing the 18th, the Stackstown golfer guided his approach to within 30-feet in two at the par four with his opponent John Kemp also on the putting surface in regulation. The Englishman looked favourite to at least halve the hole and win his match.
However, Campbell held his nerve to hole the 30-foot putt while Kemp missed to gift Ireland the crucial half point and ensure the all-important 8-7 victory overall.
"You couldn't write it," was the jubilant response from the Ireland team captain Mark Gannon afterwards.
Elsewhere, Scotland defeated Wales 9½-5½ after the Scots had taken a 3-2 lead from the morning foursomes before extending their lead in the singles.
Ireland now face Scotland tomorrow and victory over their Celtic neighbours would ensure the hosts a famous victory on home soil in the 63rd Home Internationals.
Day Two Results
Ireland 8-7 England
(Ireland names first)
Foursomes: Ireland 2½-2½ England
M O'Sullivan & M McGeady lost to G Wolstenholme & R Fisher 1 hole, N Fox & M Owens lost to G Clark & R Walker 2 & 1, B McElhinney & D Crowe halved with G Lockerbie & D Skinns, M Sinclair & R Kilpatrick bt J Kemp & P Bradshaw 1 hole, J Kehoe & M Campbell bt C Edwards & J Heath 2 & 1
Singles: Ireland 5½-4½ England
Fox bt Lockerbie 4 and 3, McGeady lost to Wolstenholme 2 and 1,McElhinney bt M Skelton 5 and 4, Owens halved with Walker, Crowe bt Clark onehole, Kilpatrick lost to Heath 3 and 2, Sinclair halved with Fisher, O'Sullivanbt Kemp one hole, Campbell halved with Skinns, Kehoe lost to Bradshaw 4 and 3
Scotland 9½-5½ Wales
(Scotland names first)
Foursomes:
Scotland 3-2 Wales
A McArthur & C Watson halved with G Wright & D Price, J McLeary & E Ramsay halved with A Smith & R Davies, M Laird & S MacKenzie bt C Mills & C Smith 2 & 1, G Campbell & B Innes lost to L Harpin & L Matthews 2 & 1, J King & S Wilson bt J Williams & T Dykes 1 hole
Singles: Scotland 6½-3½ Wales
Watson lost to Wright 5 and 4, McArthur bt A Smith 3 and 2, McLearyhalved with Price, Ramsay lost to Davies 1 hole, McKenzie lost to C Smith 1hole, Laird bt Harpin 1 hole, Campbell bt R Scott 3 and 2, N McRae bt Williams 5and 4, King bt Mills 2 and 1, Wilson bt Dyke 3 and 2