GOLF:IRELAND ARE on the brink of a famous Home International victory at Rosses Point, Co Sligo today – but they will know that a cool head is required with a third of the job still to be completed.

After their nerve-tingling 8-7 win over defending champions England on Wednesday they overwhelmed Wales 11-4 yesterday and now only a share of the spoils against Scotland today is needed for the Raymond Trophy to be lifted aloft by Kevin Flanagan.

England bounced back from their shock defeat at the hands of Ireland to crush Scotland 10.5-4-5 and make sure that they are ready to pounce should the Irish falter.

Ireland love Rosses Point – they won the title here in 1991 when three-times Major winner Pádraig Harrington inspired them to the Triple Crown and Raymond Trophy – and another triumph today would extend the amazing run of Irish successes at all levels.

While it was a great team display yesterday, Portstewart’s Irish Close and West of Ireland champion Paul Cutler was again outstanding, maintaining his 100 percent record.

Ireland made the best possible start yesterday racing out of the starting blocks to establish a substantial foursomes advantages.

Cutler and Kevin Phelan romped to a 43 victory over Richard Bentham and Richard Hooper and Alan Dunbar and Eddie McCormack also triumphing with something to spare, Paul Dunne and Dermot McElroy did likewise.

Leading 3.5-1.5 after the foursomes Ireland were never in any real danger and slowly but surely they wore Wales down with Cutler winning at the top, Phelan, Aaron Kearney and newcomer Gary McDermott getting points in the middle and debutant Niall Gorey successful at the bottom.

“This was a great performance but we must maintain the momentum for one last push and then we can celebrate,” said Dr Flanagan.