Golf:With fate in their own hands Ireland landed the Boys Home International title with a convincing 10.5-4.5 win against Wales in yesterday's final round of matches at Southerness Golf Club in Scotland.
Ireland opened up a 3.5-1.5 lead after the morning foursomes when Chris Selfridge and Matthew McKnight narrowly lost by one hole, while Dermot McElroy and Colm O’Sullivan halved their match.
Paul Dunne and Jeff Hopkins (2 and 1), Gary Hurley and Stephen Barry (4 and 3) plus Alex Glesson and Jack Hume (5 and 4) all recorded foursomes wins.
Liam Martin’s side made the best possible start by winning the first three singles matches in the afternoon to get within sight of victory. Dunne (3 and 1), Selfridge (3 and 1) and McElroy (one hole) all put points on the board.
The crowning moment was left to West Waterford’s Gary Hurley, whose thumping 5 and 4 win over Delon Hau ensured Ireland’s victory.
“The boys played their hearts out, deserved to win and did their country proud,” said a delighted Martin afterwards.
England suffered a surprise 6.5-8.5 defeat at the hands of Scotland, who finished second with England third and Wales last.
In the Girls’ Home Internationals at Bangor, Ireland are in a battle to simply avoid the wooden spoon just a month after collecting the Silver Medal at the European Team Championships .
Without the services of the world class Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, who are competing in the Irish Open at Killeen, the hosts lack real strength in depth this week.
After an opening defeat to England, they lost 7-2 against Wales and must now beat Scotland by a considerable margin tomorrow to avoid finishing last. Anna Courtney was the only winner on the day with her 4 and 3 singles win over India Friswell while two matches were halved.