Ireland off to winning start at Home Internationals

Mourne’s Reeve Whitson won both his matches against Scotland. Picture by Pat CasmanIreland completed a spirited singles fightback to beat Scotland 8-7 in the Home Internationals when the weather delayed opening match was completed at Glasgow Gailes this morning.

{Scotland 8, Ireland 7} {Days 2 draw - Wales v Ireland}

Padraig Hogan’s charges, who lost the foursomes 3.5-1.5, were forced to resume at 7am with five matches still to be completed after play was suspended last night following a long weather delay for torrential rain yesterday.

While Ireland were trailing 5.5 - 4.5, Irish Amateur Open champion Gavin Moynihan, who was one up with two to play, completed a 2 and 1 win over Scott Borrowman.

North of Ireland winner Rory McNamara was forced to settle for a half after being two up with four to play on Brian Soutar.

However, Knock’s Nicky Grant, who three up with four to go, beat Fraser McKenna 3 and 2 to put Ireland in front before Waterford Castle’s Kevin Phelan halved with James White and Belvoir Park’s Harry Diamond halved with Jack McDonald to seal an important victory that gives them a chance of a first Home Internationals win since Muirfield in 2008.

Favourites England, chasing a fourth successive victory in the event, beat Wales 9.5 - 5.5 and today face Scotland.

Ireland take on the Welsh hoping to make a better start in the five foursomes clashes than they did against Scotland when Alan Dunbar and Reeve Whitson were the only pair to win their encounter.

Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy missed the opening day’s play due to food poisoning and while he missed the foursomes, he will be back in action for this afternoons singles with McNamara sitting out.