GOLF BOYS' AND GIRLS' CHAMPIONSHIPS: Limerick teenager Cian McNamara went on a stunning birdie blitz to sweep into the third round of the British Boys' Open Amateur championship over the Royal Liverpool course at Hoylake last night.
The 17-year-old was four under par in brushing aside by 6 and 4 Scotland's Richard Hyland. He had six birdies in all in a thoroughly professional display.
After winning the opening three holes, McNamara was always in charge and lost only one hole.
Aaron O'Callaghan from Douglas, made a spirited recovery to book his place in round three at the expense of England international Alex MacGregor. O'Callaghan actually lost the first three holes but then rallied brilliantly, winning the fifth to start the revival.
An 18-foot putt on the 558-yard 16th - the longest hole on the course - got his nose in front and he then held on for a splendid victory, but he faces a tough match today against last year's runner-up Rhys Davies, the Welsh junior international from Royal Porthcawl.
Dubliner David Rawluk of The Island had the biggest win of the tournament so far, hammering Craig Wilkinson from Blyth 8 and 6.
Today he meets Laurence Allen, who reached the semi-finals of the English Amateur Championship.
After starting with a couple of halves, Rawluk won four holes in a row from the third to take command.
O'Callaghan, McNamara and Rawluk are all in the same quarter of the draw.
Ciaran McAleavey from Banbridge made it into the second round yesterday, overcoming Scot Bubb 5 and 4, and today he will attempt to join his Irish team-mates in round three when he takes on England's Charlie Ford.
McAleavey was in fine form being three under par in moving into round two.
Lurgan's Gareth Shaw also plays his second round match today, against the Spaniard Carlos Del Moral.
In the Girls Home Internationals at Pyle & Kenfir in south Wales, Ireland came from behind to get their campaign off to a winning start.
They trailed Scotland 2-1 after the morning foursomes, but then won three and halved two of the six afternoon singles to finish overall 5-4 winners.
And the Carlow sisters Karen and Tara played a major part in the success. They lined up together for a 3 and 1 foursomes triumph over Kate O'Sullivan and Scottish champion Kelly Brotherton.
And then Karen defeated Scotland's most experienced player, Dawn Dewar, while Tara picked up a half with Brotherton in the lead match.
Reigning champions England demolished host nation Wales 7½-1½: they did not lose a game and simply conceded three halves.
