A week that started so promisingly for Ireland in the women's Home International Golf Championship at Royal Dornoch ended on a flat note yesterday when they were thrashed 7-2 by England. Ireland finished in third place behind champions Wales and runners-up England.

"It is of course very disappointing but no-one can begrudge Wales their title - it was a marvellous display by them," said Irish captain Jane Allen.

England probably needed an 8-1 victory over the Irish to deny the Welsh their victory. Vagliano trophy pair Alison Coffey and Suzanne O'Brien gave Ireland a perfect start when they beat English intermediate champion Kirsty Fisher and Curtis Cup player Rebecca Hudson by 3 and 2. But the other two foursomes were won by England.

Milltown's O'Brien, Cork's Irish champion Claire Coughlan and Coffey all lost, but then came victory by Emma Dickson on the last hole over Fisher - and that effectively ended England's quest.

Wales, who had never won this title, beat Scotland 5 1/2 - 3 1/2 and it all came down to a count-back of points over the three days. Wales collected 17 and a half points during the series, one more than England.