GOLF:IRELAND GRABBED the early initiative in the Boys' Home International golf Championship over the Southerness course in Scotland yesterday.

They overwhelmed hosts Scotland 12-3 with a confident performance and with defending champions England being held to a share of the honours by underdogs Wales, Ireland lead the table.

A stunning singles display, which saw Ireland lead 4½-0½ laid the foundations and they piled on the agony for the Scots in the afternoon and with five matches still out on the course, it was clear they were going to open their account in the chase for the R and A Trophy.

In the foursomes, the three top pairs all won, with Dermot McElroy and Colm O’Sullivan being the most impressive in surging to a 5 and 4 victory over Jamie Lynch and Ian Redford.