Ireland's reconnaissance trip to the north of Italy to the host venue of next year's European Team Championships proved beneficial when they emerged as 10-6 winners over Italy in the representative match that concluded at the Monticello Golf Club, near Lake Como, yesterday.

The Irish carried a 5-3 lead from the first day's foursomes and fourball matches into yesterday's singles, requiring just 3 1/2 points from the eight matches to secure overall victory. In the event, Paddy Gribben, Garth McGimpsey, David Jones and Gary Cullen all won their matches, with Noel Fox and Ciaran McMonagle halving their respective matches.