European Amateur Team Championship: Ireland to face Italy in quarters
The Irish Senior Men's team at the 2017 European Amateur Team Championships in Austria.

The Irish Senior Men's team at the 2017 European Amateur Team Championships in Austria.

The Island's Paul McBride birdied two of his last four holes to share second place as Ireland qualified in fifth place and now face Italy in the quarter-finals of the European Amateur Team Championship's in Austria.

The Donabate player added a 69 to his opening 72 to finish in a six-way tie for second on three under par, two strokes behind Norway's Kristoffer Reitan at Diamond Country Club. 

England impressively topped the qualifiers by seven strokes on eight-under 712 from Norway (719) with Sweden (720), Italy (726), Ireland (727), Scotland (735), Spain (738) and France (739) completing the top eight.

Ireland will face Italy with England meeting France, Sweden facing Scotland and Norway taking on Spain.

Naas' Conor O'Rourke (75-71) tied for 20th on two-over with Tullamore's Stuart Grehan (72-75) and Warrenpoint's Colm Campbell (79-69) a shot further back.

Tramore's Robin Dawson (77-75) and John Ross Galbraith (72-80) finished tied 55th on eight-over.