The Irish Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals team are one win away from being crowned champions after a dominant win over Wales today at Murcar Links.
Coming off the back of yesterday’s close win over Scotland, spirits were high and the Irish got off to the perfect start, with all four of the Men’s foursomes pairings securing wins during the morning’s session. The highlight was a sensational 6&5 win for Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) and Paul Coughlan (Castleknock). On the Women’s side, only the Lahinch pair of Áine Donegan & Aideen Walsh could manage a win with Wales taking the other two points on offer.
That positive start saw Ireland take a 5-2 lead into the afternoon singles, and the gap between the two sides only grew as the day progressed. The first three matches all went the way of the Irish, with Liam Nolan (Galway) leading the way before Seán Keeling (Roganstown) and Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin) followed suit. Ryan Griffin (Ballybofay & Stranolar) and Luke O’Neill (Connemara) secured halves whilst Thomas Matthews got the better of Coughlan to claim what would be Wales’ solitary singles win, as Thomas Higgins (Roscmmon) and Campbell claimed the final two Men’s singles.
Meanwhile, the Irish Women were utterly dominant in their singles, winning six from six. Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) was out first and claimed a 3&2 win and from there the margin of victory stretched wider with each passing match. Kate Lanigan (Hermitage) and Donegan both won 4&2 in the next two matches, before a 5&3 win for Sara Byrne (Douglas) was then bettered by the Elm Park pair of Emma Fleming and Anna Foster, who both won their matches 6&5 at the back end of the draw.
These victories saw the singles end 12-2 in Ireland’s favour, bringing the overall score to 17-4.
Tomorrow Ireland will take on England in the decider as both teams have two wins from two, with Ireland leading 29-25 on Match Points. Both the Men’s and Women’s teams are also in contention to win their respective titles.