(Report from the SGU website)
Ireland put a dent in England’s aspirations of defending their Boys Home Internationals title with a hard fought 8-7 win on the second day of the round robin series at Forest Pines where Scotland ran out comfortable victors over Wales.
The day’s results throw open the contest with England, Ireland and Scotland all still in with a chance of lifting the R&A trophy. England are bidding for three in a row, Ireland are hoping to repeat their success of 2010, while Scotland last triumphed at Moray in 2006.
Later on day two, Barrie Douglas’ side eased to a 12.5-2.5 victory against a relatively inexperienced Wales team. The extent of the winning margin could still be a factor depending how results unfold on the final day.
On paper the outcome appeared straightforward, Scotland took a 4-1 lead from the foursomes and closed out the contest by winning the first four singles matches.
Scotland’s Connor Syme defeated Tim Harry 5&4 in the top match and Calum Hill quickly followed with his 4&2 win against Kyle Harman. Benjamin Kinsley won 3&2 against Joshua Davies before Ewen Ferguson’s narrow two-hole win over Charlie Spencer-White sealed the outcome.
Thomas Williams put a Welsh point on the board with his 4&3 win over Cameron Kirkwood, while Jack Davidson and Alan Waugh played out a halved match as the sun began to set over the Lincolnshire venue.
Elsewhere Stuart Easton denied Otto Mand (4&3), Niall McMullen defeated Thomas Davies (3&2) and Euan Walker beat Alex Matthews (2&1). The winning margin was confirmed when Robert MacIntyre maintained his unbeaten run with a 2&1 victory against Ryhs Jones in the bottom match.
“A tough afternoon,” was the succinct response from Wales captain, Leighton Smith. “We have a couple of new kids - seven rookies - and they probably found it hard going today. We’ve got to use the experience and see what tomorrow brings. I dare say we’re in for another tough day against Ireland as they are flying at the moment.”
Douglas was delighted with his team’s performance. “It’s a terrific result. We figured Ireland might beat England so we knew we had to try and get as many points on the board as we could. I’ve been involved for seven or eight years now and we’ve never won by anything like that (margin) before.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge, it’s always good to play England.” The final series of matches will see Ireland play Wales and Scotland take on England.
Matches consist of five foursomes matches, followed by ten singles matches, each played over 18 holes at Forest Pines in North Lincolnshire.
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