Ireland went close to causing a major upset on the opening day of the women's amateur home international golf series at Burnham and Berrow yesterday. They eventually lost 5-4 to an England side who were looking for a seventh consecutive title, but England were the first to admit that they had a narrow escape with Curtis Cup player Rebecca Hudson winning the vital singles at the last hole against Hazel Kavanagh.

With the match score locked at 4-4, everything was depending on the outcome of their match and Kavanagh looked to have little chance as she was two down with three to play.

However she fought back to win the 16th and 17th holes and level the match.

At the last Kavanagh hit a poor drive and took a six, while Hudson scrambled a five to settle the outcome.

Earlier in the day the foursomes had been shared 1 1/2 - 1 1/2 to set the scene for a tense afternoon.

Suzy O'Brien gave Ireland the perfect start in the singles as she played some magnificent golf to defeat Curtis Cup player Fiona Brown 6 and 5.

Elaine Dowdall was Ireland's other singles winner, while Michael McGreevy halved with Liza Walters. Unfortunately for Ireland, national champion Lilian Behan and Alison Coffey were also beaten at the 18th.

In yesterday's other match, Scotland, who are Ireland's opponents today, drew 4 1/2 - 4 1/2 with Wales.