Irish pair Gavin Moynihan and Dermot McElroy played starring roles in the searing heat of Bangalore yesterday as Europe came from behind to grab a first day lead against Asia-Pacific in defence of their Bonallack Trophy.

Dubliner Moynihan and Ballymena’s McElroy won both their foursomes and fourball matches as Europe moved 6-4 ahead.

They trailed 3-2 after the first session of fourballs but moved into top gear for the foursomes, which they are more used to playing than the Asians.

Tense affair
Sent out by non-playing captain Andrew Morgan in the fourballs, Moynihan and McElroy had a tense affair with Indian Karan Taunk and New Zealander Joshua Munn and got home on the final green.

Reigning European champion Ashley Chesters and Ryan Evans were the other European duo to come up trumps in their fourball match.

The Irish duo came out in the afternoon firing on all cylinders and impressed from the start against Chinese pair Zechung Dou and Zim Cheng.

The Asia-Pacific pair kept them in sight until the turn but then Moynihan and McElroy took charge winning the 11th and 14th before closing out the match with halves at 15 and 16.

Chesters and Evans also won both their matches.