GOLF DIGEST:BOYS: Ireland got the defence of their Boys Home International title off to a flying start at a damp and miserable Hankley Common in Surrey yesterday.

The boys overcame Scotland 9-6 after grabbing the initiative in the foursomes.

Co Sligo’s Michael Durcan, Ian O’Rourke from Cork and Malone’s Garth McGee won both their matches, while Greystones’ Paul Dunne produced a magnificent singles performance to help Ireland triumph.

Dunne defeated by 4 and 3 David Law, who on Saturday had become the first player to hold both the Scottish boys’ and men’s titles.

There were some tight battles and in the end the point gained by Daniel Murphy of Portarlington on the home green at the expense of Scott Gibson, and the half secured by Colin Fairweather with Calum Stewart, were crucial.

GIRLS:The Irish girls' hopes of adding the Home International crown to the European title won in Finland last month were dealt a blow as Scotland edged to a 5-4 victory at Fairhaven on the Lancashire coast yesterday.

Ireland led Scotland 2-1 after the foursomes, with the Cavan twins, Lisa and Leona Maguire, winning their match out in the country and Patrice Delaney and Carla Reynolds gaining a point.

Then they stretched their advantage when Lisa Maguire overwhelmed Alyson McKeckin 7 and 6.

But the only other winner for the European champions was Reynolds, so they face an uphill task in their bid to wrest the Stroyan Cup away from England.