Almost 30 years have passed since Brian Huggett, the British seniors champion, dissolved into tears after helping Great Britain & Ireland finish all square with the United States in the 1969 Ryder Cup at Birkdale.

There was no weeping in Portugal yesterday, but the Welshman, three days before his 62nd birthday, proved he has lost none of his battling spirit when he performed a similar role as the men's Senior team salvaged a draw with Europe's top women after a thrilling final day's play in the annual European Cup event.

As defending champions, the 10-all scoreline meant the men retained the cup, but the consolation for the women was that the money was shared at £7,500 a player. It was certainly the perfect climax to a match played in glorious sunshine along the picturesque Portuguese coast.